A long-delayed drainage project in Conroe’s Fosters Ridge neighborhood has left residents frustrated and fearful. Nearly three years in, homeowners report worsening erosion, safety concerns, and limited progress, with state officials now citing the project for violations.
In Conroe's Foster's Ridge neighborhood, a drainage improvement project that has been in progress for almost three years is now facing increasing concern and criticism from residents who believe it has become more of a hazard than a benefit.
Residents express concerns that the initiative aimed at addressing stormwater and erosion issues has seen minimal advancement. “The situation has been quite chaotic,” remarked resident Christopher Galey. “We’re approaching the three-year mark now.” Picture stepping outside each day and encountering this. Galey and others emphasize that what they have observed is merely dirt being relocated, with no significant progress made in building construction.
In addition to being an unsightly presence, locals express concerns that the halted development poses safety risks. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has issued a citation for not adhering to established best management practices. The situation along the neighborhood’s main creek, which is central to the project, is deteriorating, posing a risk to several homes in the vicinity.
“This is intended to serve as our primary drainage system,” Galey clarified. “The creek plays a crucial role in managing the drainage system for the whole neighborhood, extending from the front to the back.”
Safety concerns extend beyond the erosion issue. Residents express concerns about dump trucks racing down neighborhood roads, which they believe endangers the safety of children. “Everyone of us has children,” a resident shared with FOX 26. “We must take action to halt trucks in the street to ensure they reduce their speed.”
Fosters Ridge, a community of over 1,800 families, was envisioned as a tranquil suburban haven. Currently, numerous individuals express that it resembles an ongoing construction site with no conclusion in sight.
FOX 26 reported contact with TNG Utility, which directed all questions to the attorney representing Municipal Utility District (MUD) 139. At this time, no reply has been received.
Amidst documented environmental violations and a lack of clear solutions, residents are demanding accountability and tangible advancements.
