Tomball in midst of retail development frenzy

By Brian Walzel
Tribune Staff

As fast as construction crews can pour the concrete, developers are opening doors to new businesses in and around the Tomball area.

Executive Director of the Tomball Economic Development Corp. Betty Reinbeck revealed details of several retail and commercial developments that are currently underway or are in the works during a presentation to the Tomball Rotary Club April 25.

Pictured, Steve Whittington installs a parking lot overhead light at the new Academy store, set to open May 11.

The largest project is currently in the development stages at the intersection of the Tomball Expressway and FM 2920. Tomball Marketplace will be the home of the new Academy sporting goods store along with several other retail stores and restaurants.

The $42 million project is headed up by Weingarten Realty and will cover approximately 300,000 square feet. Reinbeck also estimates the new development will bring 385 new jobs to the Tomball area.

While possible tenants are still being discussed, Reinbeck said the city is working with restaurants Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse and James Coney Island. She said the development is also in talks with Kohl’s about the rapidly-growing retailer opening a store in Tomball Marketplace.

Other retail developments quickly moving towards an opening are both Office Depot and PetSmart, set to be located just west of the Target shopping center on FM 2920.

It’s unclear whether smaller retailers or restaurants will open around the stores.

Although no tenants have been announced, Reinbeck discussed details of a 250,000 square foot commercial development, Spring Creek Commons, set to be constructed on the east side of SH 249 and the future Brown Road extension. The project is slated to cost in excess of $33 million.

Additional commercial developments Reinbeck said are either showing interest or are set to build in Tomball are a $2.2 million hydraulics company, two light industrial plants and three proposed business or office parks.

Reinbeck said that overall, there is more than $10.3 million in capital investments currently underway in the Tomball area.

The city has recently seen its shopping and dining opportunities multiply substantially. The development of Tomball Crossing is home to several chain restaurants and niche shops, as well as a large grocery store. A Starbucks has finally found a home in Tomball and upscale retail giant Target has been a welcome addition.

While the city is welcoming new developments with open arms, they are also working to ease the process of building in Tomball.

According to Reinbeck, the city has drafted a developer’s guidebook on the rules and regulations for building within the city. The EDC also is implementing a review committee.

“We’re open to meeting with anyone who wants to meet with us,” she said.

Voters to decide on $198 million school bond proposal

By Brian Walzel
Tribune Staff

Tomball Independent School District officials are hoping area voters will turn out May 12 and pass a $198 million bond. After several months and dozens of meetings by a number of committees, Tomball ISD called for the bond election earlier this year. A facility study committee met during much of 2006 studying the feasibility of calling for a bond election.

The money is earmarked to pay for the construction of at least four new schools, sites for future schools, technological improvements, and upgrades to current district facilities. According to Tomball ISD, Tomball High School is nearing capacity and current growth projections could push that number over capacity. A second high school would help alleviate the projected enrollment increase.

The latest Woodlands development, Creekside Park, lies within Tomball ISD and will soon require a new elementary school. The district is also hoping to build two additional elementary schools to alleviate growth concerns at current elementary schools. If the bond passes, both Lakewood Elementary and Decker Prairie Elementary would receive classroom additions and Beckendorf Elementary, significantly damaged due to a fault line, will be used as an alternative high school.

The money would also pay for the construction of new administrative facilities, improvements to the Tomball High School football stadium and auditorium, new school buses and roofs on some schools.

However, passage of the bond will not come without a cost to district tax payers. According to the district, “based on current projections, taxpayers would see a debt service rate increase of about 12.5 cents between 2007 and 2014,” based on the average home value in the district of $149,466.

That estimation also allows for a 5 percent increase in appraised home property values. While district officials have pushed for passage of the bond, approval is no sure thing. There is recent history to suggest area voters are wary of a potential increase in taxes by approving school bonds.

In November, voters turned down a $250 million bond proposal by North Harris Montgomery Community College District, which would have funded new facilities at most of the district’s campuses.

The Tomball ISD bond proposition will be on the City of Tomball ballot. For more information about the bond proposal, visit tisdkidsmatter.com. For voting locations, see this week’s Tribune article “City campaigns culminate with May election.”

The Magnolia Educators Scholarship Organization held its first Magnolia Independent School District Fun Run on April 21 at Magnolia High School Stadium. The organization raises money to give scholarships to Magnolia ISD seniors who wish to pursue a career in education. “We had approximately 700 supporters of the event and raised over $6,000 for the scholarship fund," said Nita McNulty, president of the scholarship organization. "I was very pleased with the turnout and the tremendous amount of help we had on the day of the event. This year it was only open to MISD students and staff, but next year it will be open to the entire community.” Pictured, Magnolia Junior High 6th grade teachers Marilyn Klaus, Erin Vance, Mirasol Estrada, and Pam DeDear walk arm in arm as they finish the last steps of the Magnolia Educators Scholarship Fun Run. Submitted Photo

Future services for the homeless in Montgomery County

Part 5: Falling between the cracks

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

Despite available homeless prevention services in Montgomery County, funding is at a premium and the market is very competitive for agencies providing duplicate service. As a result, private funding and faith-based intervention is needed to serve those homeless, who fall between the cracks of available services.

Services the county currently does not have include a staffed resource center providing mail, phone, laundry, shower facilities and case management.

Other needs identified include a single room occupancy (SRO) residence for the homeless and a long-term family housing facility. Although plans are in the works for the Salvation Army, the Montgomery County Emergency Assistance agency and Building The Way (BTW) in Magnolia, target dates are at least five years away.

Ideal properties for SROs are renovated motels or apartment complexes providing low-cost housing. An SRO can be funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Emergency Shelter Grant Program.

Those ineligible for funding However, there is a portion of the population that cannot or will not be served. They include sex offenders, other felons of aggravated crimes, and homeless working men and women who survive outside the means of available services.

There is little assistance or compassion for sex offenders. Salvation Army Case worker Nora Tatum at the Conroe unit said that sex offenders are sublet to hotels by agency funding to protect the offender as well as the clients.

For men like Ronny Williams, their stories are riddled with the very things that keep people on the streets.

Williams is a felon, is not eligible for his veteran’s benefits, and was let go from his job when he was diagnosed with colon cancer. He does not qualify for medical assistance or Lone Star, because he has no home address.

“Miguel” is a homeless U.S. resident, a veteran, and a man with a jail record. He has had no identification since 2004. With the help of Yahweh Street Ministries (YSM), he is receiving assistance from the VA in obtaining his ID.

Pete Taraski of YSM believes a resource center is ideal for this faction of the homeless population.

However, mixed emotions exist over assisting this group.

“The state of the homeless is as it is because you cannot do more for someone who will not help themselves. That’s something that’s difficult for me to accept,” said BTW’s Brandi Cheatham.

Unique assistance services Healing Hands Ranch in Willis will offer dormitories with an estimated capacity of 20 and a long-term goal of 40, for deaf men only, including felons, who are sign language dependent.

The ranch will begin accepting residents in August 2007 consisting of Texas Department of Criminal Justice Gateway program participants and deaf probationers, with a limit on sexually oriented crimes.

“This is the first deaf half-way house in the U.S. and in the world,” said Johnny McCollum, ex-offender and property supervisor.

For more information, log on at www.healinghandsranch.com or call 936-856-0819.

George Castillo, the manager of the Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Program at the Michael E. DeBakey Veteran’s Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Houston, commented on available veteran services for the county.

“The VA has developed a number of services for veterans in Houston that help them get off the street immediately, address their employment needs and long-term permanent housing needs,” said Castillo. “We need to develop services for that area.”

For more information on all veteran services, call 713-794-7533.

Family need-based services To address the needs of the homeless in the four-county corner of Waller, Grimes, Harris and Montgomery counties, the faith-based non-profit group BTW was established in Magnolia in 2001. The group is seeking private funding.

BTW plans to house the short-term homeless population in the greater Magnolia area with a long-term goal of offering 24-hour shelter service to families, but not felons.

The initial development plan outlines six levels of service and will function as a provider network, evolving into a full service program offering referrals, long-term shelters and assistance programs, said Cheatham.

For more information, call 281-351-8106.

The need for partnership Jesus Christ is quoted as saying, “For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you will you may do them good.” It has always been a benevolent society that remains the larger shareholder in providing the solution to homelessness through volunteering, donations, and the ever-present tax dollar.

At an April 19 Montgomery County Community Development Block Grant public hearing for funding, board member Vernard Williams summarized the real issue.

“Where is the sharing of resources? And what do you each have in common?” Williams asked of agency directors in attendance.

For Julie Martineau, president of the Montgomery County United Way, “The challenge that you’re hearing is that people have to want to partner with each other,” she said.

White Dove derby sets attendance, fundraising record

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

More than 4,000 people arrived at the Chad Treichel Memorial Arena in Fields Store on April 28 for a demolition derby to benefit the White Dove of Hope.

Attendance records have steadily increased since the start of the derby. In 2005 attendance neared 2,000, with that number increasing by 500 for spring 2006. In the fall of 2006 estimated attendance was 3,500. The spring 2007 event netted $23,000 at the gate alone.

Pictured, Matthew Shanks was the winner of the White Dove of Hope 2007 spring demolition derby.

While a firm number for total gross dollars is yet to be confirmed, early projections place fundraising dollars for the event at more than $60,000, according to White Dove of Hope President Leonard Treichel.

There were 42 entries in the regular derby consisting of four heats. Only one heat was scheduled for the five Powder Puff derby entries.

The first place regular derby winner was Mathew Shanks. And for the second time, Krystal Schiel was the winner of the Powder Puff Derby.

Other winners who walked away with checks included David Tomachek for Best of Show, Joe Adams in sixth place, Neil Scharver in fifth place, Chris Budziz in fourth place, Lawton Whatley in third place, and Tony Woodall in second place.

Twenty drivers had signed up for the grudge match by the end of the evening.

David Ubpiales won the first match and Jeremy Harry, who went head to head with Powder Puff contender Monica Bundick, took the second match.

The derby started on a note of patriotism as Charlie Terrell, 16, of Waller sang the national anthem.

“I’d like to thank everybody for coming out to support us. It is probably the biggest show we’ve ever had,” said Treichel.

A sense of community was evident throughout the evening as a crowd bowed their heads for prayer and later lifted them in cheer at the announcement of a local 34-year wedding anniversary celebration.

The announcer for the evening was Scott Messina, a National Professional Bull Rider’s rodeo clown and professional martial artist. He has owned the Huntsville School of Karate for 19 years.

Half a dozen volunteers and their John Deere tractors were called on to dress the arena between heats and to pull dead derby cars back to the pit.

The spring 2007 White Dove of Hope demolition derby was dedicated to Christopher Hoffienz, age 12. He is the cousin of derby Director Scoty Wilson.

Hoffeinz was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer in 2004 and was a recipient of White Dove of Hope funds. He passed away in September of 2006, Wilson said.

The mission of the White Dove of Hope Organization is to raise funds to help others during times of crisis in their lives with a vision to be recognized as the catalyst for mobilizing people to pull together to build a healthier, more compassionate community.

Donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 1716, Waller, Texas 77484. For more information, log on to www.whitedoveofhope.org or call 936-372-0834.

City campaigns culminate with May election

By Brian Walzel
Tribune Staff

After months of campaigning and politicking, five Tomball government candidates will finally learn their fates. For at least the past three months, talk of zoning, airport purchases, campaign contributions and such have been political buzzwords. Following this Saturday’s election, the winners will finally have their opportunity to put their claims into motion. Here is a quick look at the races:

Mayor

For the first time in more than 15 years, Tomball will have a new mayor. H.G. “Hap” Harrington chose instead to run for a spot on the city council, leaving the race for the mayor’s seat wide open. Taking aim at the seat this year are Diane Holland and Gretchen Fagan. Holland has been a longtime Tomball mainstay in the community, serving for more than 20 years as the president of the Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce. She also served on the city council from 1996 to 2004.

Diane Holland

Holland has previously stated she would be in favor of imposing a term limit on city officials. She has also said she would work to include those who work and do business in the city, but do not live here, to have a voice in city government. “I want to create a vehicle for people who work and volunteer here to have input in boards and commissions. I feel like that people who work in Tomball, but don’t live here, should be able to serve,” she said.

Opposing Holland is Gretchen Fagan, current council Position 3 incumbent. Fagan has been a key figure in helping the city acquire Hooks Airport. She recently testified before a senate committee about the importance of passing legislation that would enable the city to annex the private airport. Both Fagan and Holland have spoken in favor of implementing some sort of zoning mandates within the city.

Fagan is currently the owner of an independent insurance agency, while Holland is retired.

Gretchen Fagan

Position 3

Of the two open races this year, the battle for Position 3 has been the most hotly contested. Former mayors Harrington and Bill Webb, along with write-in candidate Derek Townsend are all looking to replace the spot vacated by Fagan.

Harrington has spent 15 years as the city’s mayor and has stated he does not have the energy to keep up with the mayor’s duties. However, Harrington has said he would still like to be involved the decision-making for the city. “One thing I’ve heard from my constituents is that maybe I’ve been mayor long enough,” Harrington said. “Maybe we do need a new face.” He said serving on the council would allow him the opportunity to still be involved in the government of the city, but would not be as taxing as the mayoral position. “I think by having a vote, I can vote for what is in the best interests of the city.”

H.G. “Hap” Harrington

Webb, onetime mayor of the city, is currently a customer service manager at Wal-Mart. Webb is also in favor of zoning, but admitted that “it is way too late (to implement zoning) in some parts of Tomball.” He has also suggested that in order to help revitalize downtown, some buildings should be exempt from meeting city building codes.

Bill Webb

Townsend filed his application to run for a spot on the council one week after the March 12 deadline, making him a write-in candidate. A 16-year resident of Tomball, Townsend calls himself a fiscal conservative and said, like many candidates this year, he would work toward limiting more multi-family developments in the city.

Derek Townsend

Early voting is currently underway. On May 12, the polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The following are voting locations in and around Tomball: Pcts. 484, 486: Lakewood Elementary, 15614 Gettysburg; Pcts. 263, 672: Salem Lutheran Church, 22601 Lutheran Church Road; Pcts. 127, 245, 529: Tomball City Hall, 401 Market Street; Pct. 114, 690: Samuel Matthews Park, 1728 Hufsmith Road; Pcts. 173, 485: Willow Creek Elementary, 18302 N. Eldridge Parkway; Pct. 126: Rosehill Volunteer Fire Department, 19000 FM 2920.

Illegal immigrant arrested after suicide attempt

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

A Mexican immigrant living illegally in Magnolia was revived by Magnolia police after his attempted suicide on April 29.

Mauricio R. Esparza, 28, of Mexico had been living with family in Magnolia for more than a year and is in the United States illegally, according to Lt. Bo Crabtree of the Magnolia Police Department (MPD).

Officers Jorge Anez and Brian Clack arrived at the Magnolia home around 9:40 p.m. where they found Esparza lying in a pool of his own blood on the front porch.

He was bleeding from a large, self-inflicted razor wound to his left arm.

Clack immediately called for medical emergency assistance as Anez administered first aid to Esparza. When Anez found no pulse, Clack began chest compressions, eventually reviving Esparza.

Emergency medical technicians (EMT) arrived from Montgomery County Hospital District to stabilize Esparza, who was then taken to Tomball Regional Hospital (TRH) for treatment and psychological evaluation.

The EMTs and hospital personnel reported to police that during the hospital transport and subsequent treatment Esparza claimed he did not deserve to live, said Crabtree.

According to Crabtree, Esparza was released from TRH on April 30 at 2 p.m. The U.S. Department of Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) then detained Esparza for illegal residency. The INS cooperated with Magnolia police in securing a warrant for Esparza’s arrest.

The warrant was issued on May 1 and Esparza was arrested and then extradited from INS detention to the Montgomery County Jail the same day, said Crabtree. Esparza is ineligible for bonding as he is considered a flight risk.

This incident is currently under investigation by the Magnolia Police Department.

Information regarding this case may be reported to 281-356-2500.

Magnolia Ridge breaks ground, commercial tract on the way

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

On May 2 project developers, builders and financiers of Magnolia Ridge, along with Magnolia city officials, police and local county dignitaries, gathered on section two of the development for a groundbreaking and ribbon cutting ceremony.

Pictured, Magnolia area developers, city and county officials attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the Magnolia Ridge Development.

Among those in attendance were Lynn LeBouef, CEO of Tomball Regional Hospital. The hospital has committed to constructing a medical professional building on section two of the development.

Managing Director Eric Wojner and Associate Director Sara Hutchinson of ICAP Realty Advisors, the commercial division of Amegy Mortgage, financiers for the project, were present for the event, as well.

Also attending was Vicki Richmond, member of RPM Ventures and co-owner of commercial section one.

“This is a significant property for Magnolia and we hope to develop this as a retail commercial property with Woodforest Bank being the initial site holder,” said Richmond.

Contractor Jerry Free of Jerrico General Contractors was identified as the low bidder at an April 27 sealed bid meeting and was on hand with equipment ready to get to work.

At that meeting the Magnolia Ridge Local Government Corp. Public Improvement District (MRLGC PID) members, joined by a dozen contractors, opened sealed bids and the low bidders on the project were recognized.

The bids were for Phase 1 construction of the project’s infrastructure to support model home construction scheduled for the fall.

In the lead was Jerrico, a local contractor, at $6,261,658.48. Johnny Trim of Pace Services came in second at $6,836,846.25. Ed Owens of Big State Excavations rolled in at $7,361,644.85 for third place. Bids went as high as $9,772,433.41.

The numbers were more than Mag-Tex Acquisitions developer Mike Gibbs was expecting, he said, even though the engineering estimate was $6.2 million.

As of the ground breaking, due diligence on all contractors was complete, said Magnolia Ridge Project Manager David Burdick. The award to Jerrico is contingent on confirmation of projected calculations and bond approval by developers, engineers and financiers.

“He’s a local guy and we have a lot of confidence in him,” said Gibbs of Jerrico and owner Jerry Free.

The engineer on the project, David Broussard, expressed his appreciation for the support of everyone involved.

“There was no way to compress the Nov. 1 plan without the full support of the mayor and council members, including the city personnel and engineer. It’s too huge a project,” said Broussard.

Louis H. Smulders represents the owners and is co-owner of the 86 acres adjacent to the southwest side of the development.

He said owners had given Magnolia Ridge the easement for water and sewer lines to connect to city services, plus the easement for the road that developers will use for construction vehicles.

“We did this with no exchange of money,” Smulders said. “There is a good neighbor (relationship) already in place before (the project) has even started.”

‘Time Ahead’ program is time well invested in youth

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The Waller Independent School District is offering a mentoring program at Schultz Middle School (SMS) called “Time Ahead” that matches underprivileged students with adults for the purpose of fostering responsible relationships.

Principal Brian Merrell of Schultz Middle School

"Mentoring is a rewarding opportunity to develop a relationship with a child who may otherwise have no responsible adult leadership in their lives," said SMS Principal Brian Merrell. "Students and adults who participate in a mentoring program have said that it is one of the most rewarding experiences in their lives."

Mentors must submit to a background check by Waller ISD; should be willing to commit twice monthly to visiting with a child; and may indicate if they prefer to be assigned to a boy or girl.

Though not mandatory, most mentors meet with their assigned student during lunches at Schultz Middle School. Lunch times are from 10:47-11:17 a.m., 11:17-11:47 a.m., and 11:47 a.m. -12:17 p.m.

For more information on becoming a mentor, contact “Time Ahead” Community Coordinator Norma Neel at Schultz Middle School by calling 936-931-9103 or e-mailing nneel@waller.isd.esc4.net.

Pictured above, Max and Linda Speegle attended the Triumph Gimmick Rally April 27. The event was part of a convention for owners of Triumph cars, a popular British automobile of the 1970s. Main Street Crossing was the destination at the conclusion of the rally.
Photo by Brian Walzel