Montgomery Co. Debates $100M Metcalf Bell Road Plan

**Controversial “Metcalf Bell” Road Project Dominates Montgomery County Bond Discussion**

CONROE, TX – As Montgomery County gears up for its significant 2024 bond package, a proposed $100 million road project, dubbed the “Metcalf Bell,” has emerged as a central and contentious point of discussion, drawing substantial opposition from residents, particularly in the eastern parts of the county.

The Metcalf Bell roadway is envisioned as a roughly 10-mile artery, intended to improve traffic flow and connectivity across eastern Montgomery County. The proposed route would begin at FM 1485, cut through areas like Plum Grove, and cross State Highway 242. Proponents suggest it’s a vital piece of infrastructure to manage the county’s booming population growth and alleviate congestion on existing corridors.

However, residents in communities including Plum Grove, Splendora, Porter, and New Caney are voicing strong opposition. Concerns are mounting over the project’s hefty $100 million price tag, which many argue is an excessive and potentially unnecessary expenditure compared to other pressing infrastructure needs in the rapidly growing region. A significant point of contention is the road’s proposed impact on undeveloped land, private property, and environmentally sensitive areas, most notably the Peach Creek bottoms – a critical wetland known for its ecological significance and role in flood control.

County Judge Mark Keough has been a vocal advocate for robust public input before the Commissioners Court finalizes any bond proposals. In line with this, Precinct 4 Commissioner James Metts hosted a public meeting on Tuesday, April 2nd, at his office in New Caney to delve into the project’s specifics and gather initial community feedback. The meeting saw a large turnout, reflecting the intensity of local sentiment.

The next, and arguably most crucial, opportunity for the public to weigh in directly will be at the Commissioners Court meeting scheduled for **Tuesday, April 9th, at 1:30 p.m.** This pivotal meeting will take place in the Commissioners Courtroom, located in the Alan B. Sadler Administration Building at 501 N. Thompson Street in Conroe. Residents wishing to address the court are typically encouraged to sign up to speak prior to the meeting. Details on how to participate can usually be found on the Montgomery County website under the Commissioners Court agenda.

Groups like the “Concerned Citizens of Montgomery County” are actively mobilizing, citing concerns over potential eminent domain actions impacting private property rights, the long-term environmental damage to the Peach Creek ecosystem, and the overall financial prudence of the project. They contend that while traffic solutions are needed, alternative, less impactful, or more cost-effective options should be thoroughly explored.

Montgomery County has experienced exponential growth in recent decades, particularly in its eastern precincts, leading to increased traffic volume and demand for infrastructure upgrades. The bond package under consideration for a November 2024 ballot could include a range of projects from roads and bridges to parks and public safety facilities. The Metcalf Bell road, if included, would represent a significant portion of the total bond amount.

The debate is clearly heating up as Montgomery County navigates its future development, balancing the demands of growth with the protection of natural resources and private property. The April 9th Commissioners Court meeting is expected to be a critical juncture in determining the fate of the Metcalf Bell project and shaping the final bond package presented to voters later this year.

For more information on the Commissioners Court agenda and how to participate, residents are encouraged to visit the official Montgomery County website at www.mctx.org.