Work begins on 5.8-acre amenity center for residential community Woodhavyn
Construction has begun on Woodhavyn’s 5.8-acre, $5.5 million amenity center, according to a Sept. 9 news release. Woodhavyn, developed by Shea Homes, is a residential community located along Dobbin-Huffsmith Road in Magnolia, south of the Conroe and Montgomery area.
In a nutshell: The amenity center will feature a resort-style pool, event lawn, splash pad, shade pavilion and lakes, according to the news release. It is anticipated to open in 2026.
What they're saying: “We’re excited to be able to move so quickly into amenity construction,” Keith Luechtefeld, Houston Division president for Shea Homes, said via news release. “Residents will be able to get settled into their new homes and won’t have long to wait to take advantage of the great amenities we will have to offer within the community."
Zooming out: Phase 1 of the community is set to include 160 homes priced from the $320,000s, with 700 homes in total planned for Woodhavyn, according to the news release. Residents in the community will be zoned to Magnolia ISD.
North Houston Association shares strategic mobility priorities with Montgomery County
The North Houston Association presented its 2025 Strategic Mobility Priorities to Montgomery County commissioners during the Sept. 9 court meeting, highlighting 22 transportation projects aimed at improving regional mobility.
The details: The association, founded in 1982, updates its mobility priorities every three years to identify projects most in need of political support or funding, North Houston Association President Marlisa Briggs said.
The process began with subcommittee meetings and consultations with more than 25 agencies, cities and economic development groups across Montgomery, Harris and Waller counties, Hunter Brennan, strategic mobility plan co-chair for the North Houston Association, said.
From an initial list of more than 90 projects, the association narrowed its focus to 22 using a scoring system based on regional needs. Kim Sachtleben, board chair for the North Houston Association, said the final list reflects a geographic spread across the region.
Sachtleben said there are four Montgomery County projects included in the priority list:
13 Houston-area haunted houses, ghost tours open ahead of Halloween
Looking for a spine-tingling and spooky activity to get in the Halloween spirit? Check out this guide for haunted houses and ghost tours throughout the Greater Houston area.
Creepy Hollow Haunted House Multiple themed scary attractions are offered by Creepy Hollow Haunted House. Visit beloved creepy characters as they stalk about the property. General admission includes all three main haunts—”Dark Woods,” “Pitch Black” and “Scare Factory.”
Houston Terror Dome Haunted House Take your pick of various themed haunted houses to sneak through at the Houston Terror Dome. Attractions include “Soul Sucker” and “Dolly's Doll House.” The business also offers activities such as paintball, a haunted bar, escape rooms and axe throwing.
More notice required for public meetings under new Texas law
Cities, counties and school district boards across Texas are required to provide more notice for public meetings under a new state law aimed at increasing public participation in government affairs.
The details: Local government agencies must post meeting notices at least three business days in advance of the meeting, meaning weekends and holidays do not count toward the minimum posting period.
House Bill 1522, which became law Sept. 1, increases the notice requirement from 72 hours.
The law change is part of “an effort to promote government transparency and citizen participation,” Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, said during a May 13 legislative hearing.
The local impact: Some city and county governments across Community Impact’s coverage areas are changing their meeting schedules to comply with the new law, including:
Bastrop City Council
Conroe City Council
Fort Bend County Commissioners Court
Montgomery County Commissioners Court
The Woodlands Township
The new law does not dictate when local governments hold meetings, as long as they meet the three-day posting requirement.
