HTX-TOM: Impact 10/29/2025

Tomball VFW Post 2427, a nonprofit made up of a total of 569 veterans, gives a place for veterans to go and interact with others who’ve had similar experiences. Matthew Keen, who is the senior vice commander of Tomball VFW, said the post will also give assistance to veterans in need, whether that be with filing a claim or helping a veteran pay their electric bill through emergency funds.

The gist: This year, it celebrates its 85th anniversary. The group held a banquet dinner on Oct. 21 to honor the milestone, with state leaders and auxiliary members, or the wives of veterans who are part of the post, joining in on the night.

Quote of note: “We want to make sure that all the veterans know we're here and that we can help them. ... We would be more than happy to help them with their paperwork and with problems,” Ely Clapp, who is the post commander, said.

Looking ahead: Keen said the post wants to continue to become a bigger part of the community.

The Signorelli Company announced the grand opening for Wildflower Park, an outdoor destination inside the Magnolia Springs master-planned community, according to an Oct. 28 news release.

What you need to know: The park is meant to be a place for families to connect with nature and bring the community’s nature-inspired theme to life, according to the release. Wildflower Park features a pickleball court, playground, walking trails and a community pavilion.

Magnolia Springs is a master-planned community that spans around 665 acres, Community Impact previously reported. According to the release, home prices start in the $190,000s and there are 24 different floor plans.

Quote of note: “Wildflower Park was designed as more than a park, it’s the heart of the Magnolia Springs community,” said Jeff Dewese, senior vice president of land for The Signorelli Company. “Whether it’s families gathering for a weekend picnic, kids exploring the playground or friends enjoying a game of pickleball, this is a place where connections blossom and lifelong memories are made.”

• 12507 S. FM 1486, Montgomery

The city of Tomball is no longer under Stage 1 drought status and voluntary water restrictions after city officials lifted the status Oct. 28, according to a news release. 

The gist: In the news release, city officials cited cooler temperatures and recent rainfall as the reason for lifting the Stage 1 drought status. 

The Grand Prairie, a master-planned community in Hockley, announced Shea Homes would be joining the development as a homebuilder in an Oct. 21 news release. 

The big picture: Shea Homes will be building single-family homes ranging from 2,438 to 4,117 square feet with a variety of personalizable options, such as fireplaces and extended patios. The first model home from Shea Homes will be available for viewing in spring 2026 according to the release.

Some more details: According to the Houston Association of Realtors, The Grand Prairie is the fourth fastest growing master-planned community in the Houston region. At build-out, the community will have roughly 6,000 homes across 1,730 acres according to the news release.

Amazing Spaces Storage Center, a longtime family business based in Spring, is operating under a new name and leadership.

The details: The six Greater Houston-area locations are now SmartStop Self Storage, according to the June 20 announcement from co-founder Kathy Tautenhahn. 

“For 27 years, it has been my great joy and privilege to serve you through Amazing Spaces Storage Centers,” Tautenhahn said. “As my family and I move into a new chapter of our lives, we have decided to pivot out of this business.” 

What they’re saying: The new company, SmartStop Self Storage is a California-based storage facility company. 

“SmartStop shares our commitment to delivering exceptional service and upholding the highest standards,” Tautenhahn said. “I have full confidence that they will care for our clients and our communities with the same integrity and excellence that defined our journey.”

What they offer: The facility offers self-storage and relocation and moving services that includes vehicle, boat and business storage options, according the to company website. 

Harris County commissioners will meet Oct. 30 with more than 300 agenda items on the docket, including potential discussions on panhandling and roadside vendor regulations, a public hearing on the Ben Taub Hospital expansion and results from the county’s pay equity study.

What you need to know: New laws restricting or banning panhandling and vendors along roadways may be coming to unincorporated Harris County in light of a state bill that went into effect Sept. 1. During Harris County Commissioner Court's Oct. 16 meeting, Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey brought the motion to create new guidelines on roadside vendors. 

Also on the agenda: Harris Health officials look to authorize notice of a public hearing Dec. 11 about the acquisition of nearly 9 acres of Hermann Park for the redevelopment and expansion of Ben Taub Hospital in the Texas Medical Center.

What else: County human resources officials look to discuss results from the Gallagher Consulting pay equity study, with the possible action to implement recommendations.