Conroe is considering bringing back its planning commission to add an extra set of eyes before certain development proposals make their way to the City Council for final approval.

How we got here: Conroe had a planning commission that the City Council in a narrow vote approved to dissolve in July 2025. The City Council on Oct. 8 held initial discussions on reviving the planning commission, including not giving it final authority over approving variances and instead just making recommendations to the City Council.

What they’re saying: Council member Shana Arthur, who brought forth the proposal, said she doesn’t want a reintroduced planning commission “that simply meets for 15 minutes and rubber stamps a development” and stressed that the body would help Conroe "prepare for the consequences of development.”

“I want knowledgeable, engaged commissioners who look at the bigger picture ... and especially the cumulative impact of growth on infrastructure,” Arthur said.

EoS Fitness is building a new 40,000 square-foot gym in Willis that the company plans to open in 2028, according to an EoS Fitness spokesperson.

The details: The fitness chain has signed a long-term lease to open a freestanding location at a developing shopping center on the southeast side of I-45 and FM 1097.

Currently, EoS Fitness has 35 locations in Texas with another 32 on the way, according to the company’s website.

Montgomery City Council will be meeting on Oct. 13 to discuss awarding a construction contract for the Caroline Court Sanitary Sewer Extension project, as well as discuss several other property matters.

What you need to know: Per agenda documents, the sewer system extension will run along Caroline Corner Court in the Russet Peak subdivision. The project is being overseeing by the city, but funded by the developers of the subdivision.

Council members may also discuss taking over responsibility for Womack Cemetery Drive in the Briarley development. Per previous council discussion, the roadway was purchased by developers and they now seek to return the roadway into public domain.

Before you go: The meeting will start at 6 p.m. at Montgomery City Hall, located at 101 Old Plantersville Road in Montgomery.

Mayday Fairs, a Porter-based nonprofit, launched in August to support local firefighters and their families who are experiencing life-altering hardship.

About the organization: Founded by Maxine Cruz and Heather Probst, the organization serves firefighters throughout Harris and Montgomery counties.

The event: The nonprofit will host its first fundraiser, the Mayday Book Fair, on Oct. 17 from 4-8 p.m. at J&Co Vintage Market in Porter. Admission is free, and the event will feature:

• Vendors, a book swap and a silent auction

• Books and book-related items for sale

• A raffle for a new Kindle

Proceeds from the silent auction and the Mayday Fair booth will directly benefit the family of local firefighter Jesse Castillo, who recently died from stage 4 lung cancer.

Texans interested in casting their midterm election ballots before Election Day can do so from Oct. 19-30, the state's early voting period.

The overview: Registered voters can visit any polling place in their county during early voting. They will receive a ballot with federal, state and local races—from the U.S. Senate and Texas governor to city and school district officials.

Dates to know

• Oct. 19: Early in-person voting begins

• Oct. 23: Deadline to apply to vote by mail

• Oct. 30: Early in-person voting ends

• Nov. 3: Election Day

Something to note: Local election officials are also working through a backlog of voter registrations after the Texas Department of Public Safety failed to send some registration records to counties, according to previous reporting. Texans who registered before the Oct. 5 deadline but do not appear on the rolls can still cast a provisional ballot, per the secretary of state.

More details: To check out candidate Q&As and review all races on local ballots, visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide.