Opening obstacles: New Cy-Fair business owners navigate permitting processes
Long before the “open” sign is hung and customers start lining up, new business owners face a behind-the-scenes gauntlet of paperwork, permits and inspections. Local business owners say the road to opening a business is often paved with unexpected delays in the Cy-Fair area.
In their words: “The emotional toll that takes place when opening a business...you have to be ready to adapt to what needs to be done," Matthew Greatens, co-owner of Connie’s Frozen Custard in Cy-Fair, said.
What's happening?: Chief Todd Mitchell with the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office said the department handles commercial inspections. Mitchell said HCFMO sometimes has delays due to a high number of inspections, but the majority of delays are from bad floor plan designs.
What else?: Scott Jeansonne, director of the Environmental Public Health Division for the Harris County Public Health Department, said there were some significant statewide changes to food safety permitting implemented during this year’s legislative session.
Crush City Sports Complex to bring turf fields, indoor sports training center to Tomball, Cypress area
Crush City Sports Complex, an all-turf multisport facility, is expected to open in the Tomball and Cypress area in fall 2026, pending final investment and permitting, founder and managing partner Brian Schoellkopf confirmed.
The specifics: Crush City Sports Complex will feature eight turf fields for sports such as baseball, softball, kickball and flag football. Schoellkopf said the complex will have a 28,000-square-foot indoor training center with 16 covered batting cages, pitching tunnels and a multipurpose performance area. The business also plans to offer rentals for softball and baseball practices, adult sports leagues and live music concerts or community events.
4 Houston-area events celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month
There are several events taking place in the Greater Houston area to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place from Sept. 15-Oct. 15. This list is not comprehensive.
Hispanic Heritage Celebration Houston Premium Outlets is hosting a performance and dance lessons from Mixteco Ballet Folklorico and a performance from Mariachi Estrella de Mi Tierra.
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.
