Conroe City Council Halts Hidden Creek Development After Clear-Cutting Outcry
The Conroe City Council unanimously voted Thursday, May 23rd, to postpone final approval for the 20-acre "Hidden Creek" housing development in northeast Conroe. This decision followed a significant public outcry over extensive clear-cutting on the project site that began earlier in the week, specifically on Monday, May 20th.
Developed by D.R. Horton, the proposed Hidden Creek community is planned for an area east of Longmire Road and north of FM 3083, directly adjacent to the Harper's Landing community. The initial plat for the development had received council approval on April 25th.
Residents voiced their outrage at the May 23rd council meeting, reporting that large sections of trees on the site were aggressively cleared. Their primary concerns include the irreversible loss of habitat for local wildlife, the potential for increased flooding in the already low-lying area, and a drastic, undesirable change to the character of their neighborhood. Many pointed to the city's tree ordinance, updated in 2021, questioning its effectiveness in protecting mature trees on private land during the development process.
The council's unanimous decision to table the final plat approval reflects a desire for more time to evaluate options regarding the extent of the clear-cutting and potential mitigation strategies. Representatives for D.R. Horton have indicated a willingness to collaborate on solutions, including the possibility of replanting. The project remains on hold, with the City Council scheduled to revisit the Hidden Creek development at its next meeting on June 13th. Residents are encouraged to monitor the City of Conroe's website for meeting agendas and further updates.
