Although a specific timeline has not been released, TxDOT Public Information Officer Emily Black said the project design is complete, property appraisals to prepare for the purchase of right of way are ongoing and acquisition of property will begin soon.
Depending on right of way acquisition and relocation of utilities, Black said she estimates TxDOT will make the $67 million project available for construction bids by 2022. The two-part project would increase safety, reduce traffic congestion and enhance connectivity in Magnolia, she said.
However, downtown Magnolia business owners have expressed concern with the portion of the proposed widening project within city limits as they said they fear losing all or part of their property to make room for the new FM 1488 lanes. According to many owners, the right of way acquisition talks with TxDOT have already begun.
However, Black said the agency had not acquired any parcels of land as of early June.
Kitty’s Cafe owner Kitty Raub said TxDOT crews may tear down the shopping center where the cafe is located to provide room for the roadway. The center, located west of Walgreens on FM 1488, also includes the J&D Barber and Beauty Shop, and JK Graphics Inc.
“I am devastated,” said Raub, who has lived in Magnolia for 59 years. “I got [employees] that depend on me, I am going to make it—me and Jesus. But, I am devastated to know my customers won’t have anywhere to eat really good food.”
While she said she does not mind moving, Raub said there is nowhere for her to move her cafe in Magnolia. Raub said she had planned to relocate to a new shopping center slated within the city, but it is unclear whether space will be ready in time.
Jory Calle, the owner of Nevrslo Motorsports Magnolia on FM 1488, said he wonders why TxDOT chose to pull land from the north side of FM 1488 to accommodate the widening instead of from the south side near chain establishments, churches and Willie E. Williams Elementary School.
Las Fuentes Mexican Restaurant, Pizzaiolo’s Gourmet Pizza and a number of other small businesses along FM 1488 may also be affected, business owners said.
“The other side has all of the room—we don’t,” Calle said. “But, [TxDOT] is knocking us out.”
However, Black said only parking lots will be affected—not physical buildings—by the widening of the road.
“We always consider options to ensure the best is implemented for local business and safety, and this plan is what was approved,” said Black, adding the project has been through public meetings and an environmental assessment in 2007.
Proposing an alternate route
City and county officials said they believe traffic congestion on FM 1488 can be relieved without hindering local business.
Montgomery County Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley, Magnolia City Council Member Jonny Williams and Magnolia City Administrator Paul Mendes met with TxDOT on June 13 to recommend the agency expedite construction of the Magnolia Relief Route, a proposed $51 million project that creates a new four-lane highway north of the city limits, Mendes said. To alleviate traffic congestion without widening FM 1488, the relief route would provide a northern loop around Magnolia between the proposed Hwy. 249 tollroad extension and the existing FM 1488 west of the city.
Mendes said the relief route—last estimated to cost about $50 million—could be completed around the same time as the Hwy. 249 tolled extension, which is under construction in Harris and Montgomery counties with an estimated completion date of 2020 for segments in Magnolia.
The suggested alternative—as outlined by city and county officials—skips widening the portion of FM 1488 mostly within the city’s downtown limits. Mendes said he believes the existing FM 1488 roadway can handle the traffic flow, and other TxDOT projects—like the FM 1774 overpass at FM 1488—will also assist in reducing congestion.
Mendes said this alternative is cheaper, possibly faster to complete and less destructive to the city’s downtown businesses than the FM 1488 widening because the pathway for the relief route is in a less developed area. At the June 13 meeting, TxDOT did not make any immediate changes to the widening plans, but the group plans to meet again to further discuss options, Mendes said.
“I am glad to see them widen the road,” Calle said. “I just do not want to be bothered with it.”
