Future Governance Information:
The Woodlands Governance Steering Committee is working on a
plan for a future government structure of The Woodlands. They
have set up a website, www.thewoodlandsgovernance.org where
you can sign up for e-mail updates and follow the progress
of the committee as well as provide your input.
Community-Wide Governance Forum:
On Saturday, February 25, 2006, the Governance Steering Committee
will hold a forum at Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church, 26777
Glen Loch Drive from 8:00 AM until Noon. It is very important
for the public to attend this forum and provide input. Something
I feel is a very important issue has not been addressed by
the committee, and the residents need to hold them accountable.
Two things must happen for any new form of government to be
established here in The Woodlands. First, the City of Houston
must agree to drop their ability to annex us. Second, the several
MUD Boards in the area must agree to relinquish their control
to whatever new form of government the residents desire.
You have probably received a survey from MUD #46 indicating
that the board of that MUD does not feel that any change in
governance is necessary. Other MUD boards have sent out similar
surveys. As your TWA representative, I am often faced with
residents looking for the kind of services and control that
only a locally-controlled central government can provide –
better law enforcement with control over that enforcement,
stronger control over public nuisances like noise, parking
and traffic control, the ability to establish and enforce ordinances.
The Governance Steering Committee is studying various forms
of government, but this seems to be happening without the agreement
of the MUD boards to go along with whatever form of government
that the residents select. The money, time, and effort expended
by the Governance Steering Committee are a waste without the
MUD Boards agreeing to the formation of any form of government.
Most of the money comes from your assessments, so the GSC needs
to hear that residents are concerned about these things so
that they will be pressured into moving forward. If the MUD
boards are not willing to give up their control, then the residents
should know that so they can take over the MUD boards and effect
change.
Please go to www.thewoodlandsgovernance.org to sign up for
the forum.
Park and Ride Status:
I know some of you are concerned about the Park and Ride that
will be located at Ashlane Way and Woodlands Parkway. I was
told by The Woodlands Development Company that there would
be hearings in early 2006 and that construction would probably
not begin until 2007. I tried to find out when and where the
hearings would be, asking Development Company personnel numerous
times to keep me informed and to attend a Sterling Ridge meeting
to explain traffic flow, etc.
Unfortunately, the information I have now is that the hearings
have already taken place with very little attendance (I guess
that happens when you don’t publicize the hearing), the
traffic study is completed, and construction is under way for
completion this year, in late fall. I’ve been told that
modification was made as a result of the traffic study, but
additional details have eluded me. I am sorry to not have been
able to let you know when or where the hearing was to be held.
On the positive side, those who now have to drive all the
way to the Sawdust facility will benefit from the new facility.
WiFi at Bear Branch Park:
On January 31, a wireless internet access point was installed
at Bear Branch Park. Coverage extends to the pool, playground,
picnic tables, dog park, and pavilion. This is a pilot program,
and the current goal is to provide free public internet access
at the pools and parks, as well as to facilitate Community
Associations staff by providing hotspots where employees can
connect to the Associations’ network to fulfill job functions.
New Fire Station:
A temporary fire station is being established in the Lowe’s
parking lot near I-45 and TX 242. This service area for this
station will include the commercial area around that intersection,
the new College Park High School, and Harper’s Landing.
A permanent Station 6 is planned to replace the temporary station.
Town Green Park:
Town Green Park in Town Center near the Montgomery County Library
should be completed in time for a grand opening on April 1.
This will be a major park for all of the residents of The Woodlands
to enjoy and will include numerous features not included in
other parks.
Arson Fires:
Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information
that leads to a felony arrest or indictment in the arson cases
that have occurred in the Cochran’s Crossing area. Call
1-800-392-STOP.
Water Wells and Plant:
The San Jacinto River Authority is planning to construct a
water plant including two tanks and two water wells off of
Branch Crossing Drive south of the new Super Wal-Mart and west
of Branch Crossing. The Woodlands Development Company has prepared
a notice for home builders to provide to purchasers so that
they are aware of the future location of the facility. Construction
is planned to being in mid to late 2006 and proceed for 12
to 18 months.
Law Enforcement:
Law enforcement in The Woodlands is primarily the responsibility
of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. The County
provides only a “rural” level of service, which
basically means that they answer calls for service. The Community
Associations maintain a contract with the Sheriff to provide
5 additional patrol deputies and with the Constable to provide
8 additional patrol deputies and one detective for the area.
The Boards of the Associations have undertaken a study to help
find the best ways to supplement law enforcement. In the meantime,
if you feel that the County should provide more than a rural
level of service, you might want to consider contacting Commissioner
Ed Chance at 281-367-3977 or commis3@co.montgomery.tx.us
Organization of The Woodlands:
An organization chart for The Woodlands has been developed
and added to the Sterling Ridge website at www.sterling-ridge.org/org_chart.php.
The chart is "clickable," and takes the viewer to
FAQ where additional information is given about the various
organizations that provide services to residents of The Woodlands.
New Community Service Feature:
A very easy to use feature on the Community Associations website
provides a way to report problems or ask for assistance from
the Community Associations paid staff. Problems or questions
relating to things like park, pathway, and streetscape maintenance,
street lights, covenant administration, garbage and recycle
pickup, pools, etc, can be entered online via the “Service
Request” button on the Community
Associations website. This new feature is very easy to
use and responses are sent via e-mail notifying the resident
of the status of his or her request. There is no need to contact
me with every request. Feel free to contact me, however, if
you have any trouble getting resolution.
TWA Board Meeting
The next TWA board meeting will be Thursday, February 23, 2006
at 7:30 PM, at the Community Associations Building, 2201 Lake
Woodlands Dr.
Contact Info:
If you have any questions or comments, you can contact me:
Class A Elected Director from Sterling Ridge and Assistant
Treasurer The Woodlands Association |
