Woodlands Board Recommends Denying Apartment Zoning

THE WOODLANDS, TX – A significant proposed development in The Woodlands is facing an uphill battle after the Township Board of Directors last week unanimously recommended denying a critical zoning change for a 324-unit apartment complex. The decision, delivered Thursday, March 21, sends the controversial project, spearheaded by The Signorelli Company, to Montgomery County Commissioners Court for a final ruling next month.

The proposed four-story complex, targeting a density of nearly 20 units per acre, would sit on a 16.5-acre tract at 12720 I-45 North, just north of Woodlands Parkway. The location is currently undeveloped, nestled between a Woodforest Bank branch and a Texas Department of Public Safety office. Signorelli sought to rezone the parcel from its current non-residential (commercial) designation to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) to allow for multifamily housing.

Board members voiced a litany of concerns during a spirited meeting. Director Brad Bailey and Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs were among those who highlighted the project’s proposed density as incompatible with The Woodlands Comprehensive Plan for that specific corridor. The plan, often cited as the guiding document for the community’s balanced growth, generally envisions this section of I-45 as more suitable for mixed-use commercial or office developments, not high-density residential. Directors emphasized the importance of adhering to the spirit of the plan to maintain the community’s established character.

Over 20 residents spoke during the public hearing, echoing the Board’s worries and adding their own. Many cited the specter of increased traffic congestion on already busy arteries like Woodlands Parkway and the I-45 feeder roads, fearing gridlock during peak hours. Concerns also mounted regarding the potential strain on existing infrastructure, including local schools which are nearing capacity, and emergency services, particularly fire and EMS response times in the rapidly expanding northern section of the Township. Residents also expressed apprehension that approving such a high-density project could set an undesirable precedent for future developments, altering the carefully planned landscape of The Woodlands.

The Signorelli Company, a prominent developer with a long history in Montgomery County, presented their vision for “high-end” apartments designed to address what they described as a clear and pressing demand for quality housing in the area. Representatives argued the location at 12720 I-45 North serves as an ideal “transition” zone from the intense commercial activity of the freeway corridor to more residential areas further west. Furthermore, Signorelli contended that their specific development plan, with features like integrated green spaces and high-quality construction, *could* indeed align with the broader objectives of the Comprehensive Plan, albeit through an interpretation that incorporates carefully planned residential components within a mixed-use framework.

The Woodlands, initially developed as a master-planned community emphasizing green space and thoughtful zoning, has grappled with growth pressures as the Houston metropolitan area continues its northward expansion. The Comprehensive Plan, a cornerstone of the Township’s governance, aims to manage this growth while preserving the community’s unique identity. Debates over development density, particularly along major thoroughfares, have become increasingly common as buildable land within the Township becomes scarcer.

With the Township Board’s unanimous recommendation firmly in hand, the fate of the proposed apartment complex now rests with the Montgomery County Commissioners Court. The Commissioners are scheduled to make the final decision on the critical zoning change during their meeting on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM. The public meeting will be held at 501 North Thompson, Conroe, TX 77301. Interested residents are encouraged to monitor the County’s official agenda, typically published online, for further details closer to the date.