Plans for a 6.3-acre “Park Phase” project for The Dwelling are being updated, a spokesperson for the church confirmed via email Oct. 14.

The details: As previously reported by Community Impact, The Dwelling’s Park Phase will include:

• Sodded community sports fields

• A covered pavilion with restrooms

• A driveway and parking areas

• Retention and detention areas

Under the new project plans, the pavilion will be enlarged, requiring some re-engineering and permitting, the spokesperson said. Originally expected to wrap up in October, work is now estimated to be completed by the end of 2026. 

Some context: Construction began on the Park Phase project in June, as previously reported. Future phases of construction are planned to include a playground and a new ministry facility for community events and worship.

• Completed by the end of 2026 (Park Phase)

• 22585 Mitchell Lane, New Caney

The housing market in the New Caney and Porter coverage area experienced several shifts in September 2026 compared to September 2025. Across the two ZIP codes combined, approximately 50 fewer homes sold than in the previous year.

Zooming in: Data from the market reveals the following details:

• The median price of homes sold increased in New Caney and decreased in Porter.

• On average, homes sold faster in Porter and spent more time on the market in New Caney.

• More than 71% of homes sold in September were in the $200,000-$399,999 price range.

Early voting began Monday, Oct. 19. Montgomery County has several countywide offices, state representative and city council positions up for election.

What residents should know: All registered Montgomery County voters can cast a ballot at any of the county’s 10 polling locations for early voting, which lasts through Oct. 30.

Early voting polling places are open during the following dates and times:

• Monday, Oct. 19 through Friday, Oct. 23: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Saturday, Oct. 24: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

• Sunday, Oct. 25: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Monday, Oct. 26 through Friday, Oct. 30: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

For those who qualify to vote by mail, the county must receive an application by Oct. 23 for the November election. The application form can be found online and can be mailed or delivered in person to the county elections administrator. 

The Bayou Land Conservancy named Dr. Anna Weiss as its new executive director on Aug. 24. Weiss succeeded Jill Boullion, who retired earlier this year after 10 years in the role. The organization, which preserves land along streams for flood control, clean water and wildlife, will celebrate 30 years at its Nov. 14 gala at Highland Pines Golf Club.

Zooming in: Weiss previously worked in Galveston at a collective impact community development organization called Fishing Galveston. In her new role, Weiss is focusing on several opportunities and goals:

• Looking at land along the Spring Creek Nature Trail to potentially create a longer trail system

• Learning about a proposed Scarborough development of about 7,000 homes on 5,500 acres of flood plain and floodway

• Utilizing volunteers for trail building, field work days and invasive plant removal

• Using the organization's equitable community engagement committee to bring in people of all backgrounds and demographics

Looking to catch up with Community Impact's coverage? Check out these eight stories from Oct. 9-16.

• Preview: Magnolia City Council to discuss how to fill council vacancy

• Howard Hughes Communities announces leadership changes

• Locally owned Saigon District brings a piece of Vietnam to Cypress

• The Peach Cobbler Factory Cy-Fair announces opening date

• Motorcycle-themed coffee shop Cold Start Coffee now open in Spring

• Montgomery County OKs selling next round of road bond funds

• American Express to expand, upgrade Centurion Lounge at IAH

• New early learning reading space to open at R.B. Tullis Library in New Caney