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... and more great events plus the Grogan's Mill Farmer's Market will be open Saturday July 4 and July 11 from 8 am to 12 noon. Talk of the Township, July 2009 New: South County chamber gets Tough on promotions07.02.09 By LUCRETIA CARDENAS, The Courier New: Texas-size Tea Party07.02.09 By ELLIOTT COCHRAN, The Courier Important Press Release regarding The Woodlands Fireworks Extravaganza scheduled for July 4 at Town Green Park and Waterway Square and a report from The Woodlands Fire Chief Fire marshal recommends preparations07.01.09 By HOWARD RODEN, The Villager Note: View the two photos taken one minute apart Important: Please DO NOT Discharge Fireworks06.24.09 Message from Fire Chief Alan B. Benson County sets burn ban as dry conditions continue06.24.09 By TARA SULLIVAN, The Chronicle Burn ban in effect; some fireworks too06.23.09 By ELLIOTT COCHRAN, The Courier Montgomery County issues fireworks restrictions06.23.09 By The Chronicle HFD Reminds Citizens Fireworks are Illegal in City and Parts of County06.23.09 Houston Fire Department News Note that this covers areas outside Houston's City Limits, but within their Limited Purpose Annexation areas. Several of those areas are just south of The Woodlands. Fines for possession or use are substantial. * Enjoy the Red Hot and Blue 12th Annual Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza and the new Patriotic Songs for the fountain * Best places to watch the Fireworks show. Please do not discharge fireworks yourself or allow your children to do so. The fire danger is very high. Mandatory Water Restrictions issued for The Woodlands 06.29.09 By Woodlands Joint Powers Agency Woodlands residents under mandatory water limitations06.29.09 By HOWARD RODEN, The Courier New: Celebrate America’s Independence in The Woodlands07.01.09 The Courier New: BWI/DWI crackdown plan in place07.01.09 By NANCY FLAKES, The Courier New: Memorial Hermann gets national quality award07.01.09 By LUCRETIA CARDENAS, The Courier Four Woodlands sports fields to get lighting06.30.09 By LUCRETIA CARDENAS, The Courier County OKs sale of $58.3 million in road bonds06.29.09 By BETH KUHLES, Houston Chronicle Posted on 29 Jun 2009 by cwh
06.27.09 By HOWARD RODEN, The Courier Note: --- and so should The Township Chinch Bugs in The Woodlands LawnsBy Bob Dailey, Master Gardener, from WJPA EBlast Composite of Township Legislation through 2009. Legislation to create Town Center started in 1993 and has been modified several times. In 2007 it was modified to allow begin creation of our own local government free of the threat of annexation and now called The Townshp. MCSO recovers stolen vehicle that sat in pond since 200506.25.09 By JAKE MUONIO, The Villager The Woodlands Township Board MeetingA summary of June 24 Township Board Meeting 06.24.09 News Release, The Woodlands Township Township gives go-ahead for Waterway Square manager06.25.09 By LUCRETIA CARDENAS, The Villager Precautions are needed during the heat wave06.23.09 By KASSIA MICEK, The Courier Red, Hot & Blue Festival celebrates patriotic fun06.23.09 By NANCY FLAKE, The Courier The Governor has signed SB 2515 and HB 2726 * SB 2515, Sen. Williams’ Township legislation, was passed by the House by a vote of 143 to zero on Memorial Day and earlier unanimously (31 to zero) by the Senate. Bill Text. This bill takes effect immediately. * HB 2726, Rep. Eissler’s regional participation agreement bill was unanimously (29 Yea, 0 Nea) passed by those present in the Senate on May 26th and earlier passed the House (147 yea, 0 nay) by those present and voting. Bill Analysis and Bill Text. This bill takes effect September 1, 2009 The Township Board approved a resolution in support of SH 242 widening project in Wednesday's (June 24) meeting. Note: The Woodlands Association also approved a resolution in support. Scroll down for more info on the SH 242 Project. Posted on 22 Jun 2009 by cwh
Posted on 18 Jun 2009 by cwh
Note similar support came from the South Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, The Woodlands Association and possibly other organizations.
Posted on 16 Jun 2009 by cwh
06.15.09 By HOWARD RODEN, The Villager Note: One resident states: "If you build it they will come". About 35 years ago, Mr. Mitchell and his team began The Woodlands. We (ca. 90,000 of us) have come and more will come. Pogo (comic strip) said "I have seen the enemy and it is us". Most traffic on Texas 242 is Woodlands related traffic, not through traffic. 24 hour Vehicle Counts indicate most traffic enters or leaves SH 242 via IH-45, Gosling and Greenbridge. Once FM 1488 widening is complete (within a year) only a few would choose travel through a heavily urbanized area with many traffic signals, residential areas, large churches, a very large high school, a college and university, shopping centers, access to a fire station and two hospitals, travel via FM 1488 through a Texas Forest. The distance is shorter and quicker, if traveling north, and will usually be quicker, if traveling east on SH 242 or South on IH-45. The SH 242 improvement project is not likely to be funded or started before 2012 to 2014 with likely additional increase in Woodlands congestion by then; whether or not improvements are planned. TxDOT indicates a planned 6 inch curb along a 24 foot wide median will allow trees and shrubs within a couple of feet of the roadway, as on most Woodlands collector roads. SH 242 is already six lanes, but only from IH-45 to Windsor Hills. Continuation of six lanes, at least to Greenbridge, will reduce present and future mobility problems, which a recent survey indicates is a major concern of our resident's. Questions that need more answers are: How can project design reduce the excessive noise caused by this highway? Are safer road surfaces with better friction qualities and lower noise than those currently used by TxDOT in Montgomery County being considered? What other means, such as lower speed limits or better timing of traffic lights, are to be included in plans and design for this section of SH 242? Are improvement in "Green Ribbon" aspects included in the design? Reference and historical articles follow: * 24 Hour Traffic Counts on many Woodlands roads. * New pavement (PFC) may make Beltway 8 safer06.11.2009 By Dave Fehling, KHOU.com, Channel 11 News - Note: An amazing difference! * Use of Permeable Friction Course (PFC) asphalt can improve performance of Concrete Pavement02.11. 2003 TxDOT Technical Advisory * Greenbelt project to extend up Texas 24212.05. 2002 By Beth Kuhles, Houston Chronicle * New state highway (242) to be dedicated07.14. 1994 By Staff, Houston Chronicle. Note: The Woodlands Corp. and others donated land for SH 242. County fires first shot on fireworks ban06.15.2008, By HOWARD RODEN, The Courier Posted on 15 Jun 2009 by cwh
Posted on 12 Jun 2009 by cwh
06.09.09 By HOWARD RODEN, The Courier
Posted on 10 Jun 2009 by cwh
The Woodlands Rotary First Annual Octoberfest Press Release and website announcement
Posted on 07 Jun 2009 by cwh
June 2009, Continental Airlines inflight magazine Note: This pure editorial coverage was written by a freelance writer. Continental's magazine reach 2.4 million readers each month. This is an example of publicity we frequently receive as a result of efforts by the Woodlands Convention and Visitor's Bureau. See CVB Website at: www.thewoodlandscvb.com for more. Important: A 50% Water Saving Device Rebate, up to $150.00, is available for the purchase and installation of a rain sensor, or the installation of an ET Smart Controller, for your sprinkler system. Search continues for man said involved in attempted abductions06.08.09 By KASSIA MICEK, The Villager Woodlands considers more events for Waterway06.04.09 By BETH KUHLES, Houston Chronicle Posted on 04 Jun 2009 by cwh
06.03.09 By HOWARD RODEN, The Courier 5 state agencies left wondering by lawmakers06.02.09 By R. G. RATCLIFFE and PEGGY FIKAC, Chronicle Austin Bureau Lawmakers adjourn regular session06.02.09 By KELLEY SHANNON and JAY ROOT Associated Press Legislature approves budget but leaves many issues on table06.02.09 By LUCRETIA CARDENAS, The Courier Special session still an option. Brinkmanship on transportation brings up new threat 05.31.09 By R.G. RATCLIFFE and JANET ELLIOTT, Chronicle AUSTIN BUREAU Mosquito eradication, prevention efforts in works06.03.09 By SCOTT COONS, The Courier CodeRed helps keep Montgomery County alert06.02.09 By LAUREN HODGES, The Courier Man arrested for Amegy Bank robbery06.02.09 By LUCRETIA CARDENAS, The Villager The Woodlands getting three new red light cameras05.31.09 By JAKE MUONIO, The Villager Residents want solution to noise from new complex06.01.09 By LUCRETIA CARDENAS, The Courier Mason Pond worries over water threat05.30.09 By LUCRETIA CARDENAS, The Villager Note: The only involvement of The Woodlands Association (TWA) in storm drainage issues in this neighborhood is bringing the parties that do have authority and responsibility for design and installation of drainage infrastructure in new neighborhoods together to resolve the issue. The Woodlands Land Development Company (not TWA), who has primary initial responsibility, is in the process of making needed improvements. For Woodlands MUDs in Montgomery County, The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency (WJPA) is the Central Management agency for storm drainage, wastewater collection and water distribution issues after initial construction. See WJPA Website for more information. May 27 Community Associations Report to The Woodlands Township Note: For 2009 Pool Season Information click herePosted on 30 May 2009 by cwh
Texas Legislative Summary
Budget headed for Perry’s desk05.30.09 By APRIL CASTRO, The Courier Summaries of other Texas Legislative items follow: * HB 3335, which would have significantly reduced future water costs for Montgomery County did not pass. * SB 2515, Sen. Williams’ Township legislation, was passed by the House by a vote of 143 to zero on Memorial Day and was sent to the Governor for signature. Bill Text* HB 2726, Rep. Eissler’s regional participation agreement bill was finally passed by the Senate, and sent to the Governor on May 26th for signature. Bill Analysis and Bill Text. This bill states it takes effect September 1, 2009. * SB 275, a TCEQ/TexCom/Injection well bill relating to the application of new requirements for commercial underground injection control wells, was passed by the Senate and voted favorably w/o amendments from the House Natural Resources Committee but was not adopted by the House in time, thus ending any hope for a statutory solution to the existing TexCom permitting issue regarding the disposal facility and injection wells. * HB 875 by Rep. Eissler, relating to civil liability for erecting or maintaining certain outdoor signs or advertising (bandit signs) was passed unanimously by both houses and signed by the Governor and is effective immediately. Along with provisions of SB 2515, HB 875 may allow Township permitting of public information signs, such as for village or other community events. HB 875 Bill Analysis and Bill Text* HB 300, relating to the continuation and functions of the Texas Department of Transportation, failed to pass. To see the extremes that occurred during bill passage this session, review the list of actions on this one! Bill keeps Entergy from deregulation05.28.09 By HOWARD RODEN, The Courier
Posted on 29 May 2009 by cwh
Posted on 28 May 2009 by cwh
Posted on 17 May 2009 by cwh
05.14.09 By LUCRETIA CARDENAS, The Courier Note: Water taxis are not intended as profit centers but may have some merit as tourist attractions and marketing tools. Click here to provide your input on this subject. Fish Creek project moves forward 05.14.09 By HOWARD RODEN, The Courier Note: This road project provides a more direct route to Conroe and other areas north of FM 1488 and thus may result in some traffic reduction on Texas 242. The open road-TxDOT moving forward with expansion of Texas 242 between Interstate 45 and FM 1488. 05.14.09 By HOWARD RODEN, The Villager Note: A public meeting is planned for 6-8 p.m. June 11 at College Park High School for resident input. Posted on 15 May 2009 by cwh
04.30.09 By BETH KUHLES, Houston Chronicle
Posted on 29 Apr 2009 by cwh
04.15.09 By Kassia Micek, The Courier
Posted on 13 Apr 2009 by cwh
Posted on 02 Apr 2009 by cwh
Posted on 28 Mar 2009 by cwh
Posted on 12 Mar 2009 by cwh
03.01.09 By LUCRETIA CARDENAS, The Courier Note by Claude: Compare the current "Hometown Vision and Values" for the three associations that currently provide city like services to residents and businesses in The Woodlands with "Vision 2020", a 39 page document applicable prior to enabling legislation for The Township in 2007 and voter approval of transition to an at-large elected board and self governance. A new vision for The Township that reflects the state of the economy and our transition to governance "of and by the people" is urgently needed in time for The Township Board to prepare the 2010 budget and five year plan! We need to consider requirements leading up to and after May 29, 2014, when our voters can decide on a more permanent form of government. Public confidence in long term plans will require public involvement. Posted on 20 Feb 2009 by cwh
Posted on 09 Feb 2009 by cwh
Posted on 28 Jan 2009 by cwh
To inform the public of progress of transportation projects, TxDOT has launched a new way to present project information. For Montgomery County projects click here.Posted on 21 Jan 2009 by cwh
12.22.08 By T.L. Hamilton, The Villager
Note: In the past two years the associations (TWA and WCA) reduced assessment rates more than the predicted "up to 30 percent".
Posted on 17 Dec 2008 by cwh
Posted on 09 Dec 2008 by cwh
12.03.08 By T.L. Hamilton, The Courier
Posted on 25 Nov 2008 by cwh
In 2007 this legislation was modified to allow creation of the Woodlands Township and prevent annexation.
Posted on 07 Aug 2008 by cwh
July 28, 2008 By T.L. Hamilton, Courier/Villager Correspondent Note by Claude: Last November, an historic event occurred. Voters validated legislation which allows The Woodlands to transition to democratic self governance - a true government of, by and for the people. This principle of democracy is the most important aspect protected by our Transition Agreement. Mutual objectives stated in The Transition Agreement are to: * accomplish a seamless consolidation of functions and services provided by the Parties into a single, community wide, governmental organization and * fund, by the most efficient and cost effective means to the taxpayers of the community services while: * preserving and continuing the current high level and quality of such functions and services by utilizing existing personnel, management, programs and structures, and * ensuring continuity of management and elected leadership. Woodlands Township welcomes new board members. May 28, 2008 By BETH KUHLES, Houston Chronicle Residents elect members to Township board. Election was first step in transition of governing power in The Woodlands May 10, 2008 By BETH KUHLES, Houston Chronicle Township Election Results From Houston Chronicle Website Historic event: The Woodlands Transition Begins Woodlands groups OK final governance agreement. Approval starts timeline on transition to Township board 02/07/2008 By BETH KUHLES, Chronicle Correspondent New governance approved in The Woodlands11/07/2007 By: Tiffany Williams, Courier staff Note by Claude: For the first time in the history of Houston (and Texas), a community in the extraterritorial jurisdiiction of cities is guaranteed the opportunity to choose their own future governance. Residents who voted "For" deserve credit for this historic achievement. Sincere thanks to those who helped make this vote possible, including: * Sen. Tommy Williams, Rep. Rob Eissler and Mayor White (and all 31 Texas Senators, 144 Texas Representatives and Governor Perry, who approved enabling legislation) * Leaders of Houston and Shenandoah who testified in support of the legislation * Directors of the Community Associations and the Town Center who voted for the Memorandum of Understanding * And many others too numerous to mention Click here to view the transition agreement. Posted on 30 Jul 2008 by cwh
Important Governance Information:
* Memorandum of Understanding-Timeline for transition to new government in 2010. Source: Community Associations * Regional Participation Agreement between Houston and The Woodlands, as approved by Houston City Council * Houston's Historical Timeline relative to The Woodlands, by Claude Hunter, updated June 20, 2009 * Why we cannot become a city now, by Claude Hunter, updated Nov. 8, 2007 Enabling Legislation approved in 2007: * Senate Bill 1012 authorized binding regional partnership agreements with Houston and Conroe to release The Woodlands from the threat of annexation * House Bill 4109 modified Town Center Improvement District legislation to allow expansion and renaming the district to serve as the political subdivision for all parts of The Woodlands was alidated by The Woodlands voters Nov. 6, 2007. * The district was expanded and renamed "The Woodlands Township" and all elected and appointed directors of The Woodlands Township became accountable to the voters for every dollar of taxes collected or spent and every policy approved. True democracy begins May 10, 2008 as Directors not elected at-large are replaced. Legislative history: Town Center Improvement District (TCID) * Composiite Legislation through 2009. (Compilation of all TCID/Township legislation) * Legislation to create TCID began in 1993 with Senate Bill 1325, then to House Bill 2843 by Kevin Brady and then to Senate Bill 1373. * TCID initial legislation (SB 1373) was modified in 1997 by Senate Bill 26, in 1999 by Senate Bill 1807 and in 2005 by Senate Bill 1353.Posted on 17 Oct 2007 by cwh
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This website provides information on matters of interest to residents
of The Woodlands, TX. Personal views by Claude Hunter should not
be interpreted as official positions of The Woodlands Association
or other not-for-profit Corporations of The Woodlands on which he
is a Director. His views reflect input received from residents and
constituents. Note: If you find this website useful, please feel
free to share it's location with other residents of The Woodlands. |
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