City of Montgomery works to balance small-town charm with increased development

Neighboring cities such as Conroe and Magnolia have paused new development via moratoriums due to water capacity, but Countryman said Montgomery has the infrastructure to support the growth. However, she said City Council is working to be intentional about development.

“We’ve got a lot of open, empty canvas for growth,” Countryman said. “We want to keep our small Texas charming, historical town with the growth that’s coming and get our arms around that growth to ensure that it’s the right growth and best for the city. ... It is a tightrope, and we’re trying to do the best that we can.”

Within the last year, 14 businesses ranging from craft stores to a meat market have opened their doors in and around Montgomery, and at least two more shops are set to open before the end of the year, according to prior reporting by Community Impact.

Countryman said Montgomery is also updating the language within city ordinances to reflect a “modern-day” verbiage using the help of Kendig Keast Collaborative, KKC, a firm that specializes in zoning ordinances development and administration. Council held a special meeting Dec. 9 with KKC and discussed the potential changes to ordinances.

How we got here

Countryman said she believes people are relocating to Montgomery for its location and amenities.

“We’ve got a lot of amenities that are very attractive to those that live in the hustle and bustle,” Countryman said. “When you have those [great] schools, and then those amenities, and then you have an open canvas for large lots, you’re going to be attractive.”

Shannon Reid, director of community relations at the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce, said she believes those who move to Montgomery are a part of the “pioneering spirit” that makes it a special place.

“It’s not surprising to me that they come here and want to build their dream out of nothingness right here in Montgomery, and I would hope that we would always cherish those folks,” Reid said. “It’s so precious to watch someone do that and have that dream and the sparkle in their eye.”

Between 2017-2022, Montgomery’s population grew 62.4%, per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates.

Chad and Taryn Fiebiger, who own The Highland Pine Company, moved to Montgomery from Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2022. They said the decision to open their shop in the city in 2023 came after their initial visit to Montgomery and falling in love with the community’s welcoming nature.

“I feel so very blessed that we live here and that our business is here; and that we found this little gem of a place,” Taryn Fiebiger said.

She said she understands that growth is good for their business, however, she hopes the city can stay true to its roots while continuing to grow.

“I hope Montgomery doesn’t lose their hospitality and their friendliness and their welcoming of people. It’s just, it’s like nothing I’ve really ever experienced,” Taryn Fiebiger said. “We just hope that Montgomery can stay true to itself and continue to be the quaint small town that made us more in love with it in the first place.”

A closer look

With more businesses coming into the city, Montgomery’s sales tax revenue is rising. Between 2019-2023, sales tax revenue jumped 58%, increasing from $3.1 million to $4.9 million, per the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Through November of this year, the city has collected $5.54 million in sales tax revenue.

City officials also said there are plans for several projects to accommodate the growth. After voters’ Nov. 5 approval of the city’s crime control and prevention district—which will help fund the police department through sales tax revenue—funds can be alleviated from the city’s budget to be reinvested into infrastructure projects.

In terms of transportation, Reid said she believes the exposure of FM 149 and Hwy. 105 is essential for businesses, and the plan to extend FM 149 to Hwy. 249 is needed given the traffic. Montgomery County commissioners awarded $8.4 million for design and engineering contracts in August for the project, per prior reporting.

The Fiebigers will be opening a coffee shop, their second business in Montgomery, in the spring of 2025, Taryn Fiebiger said. Meanwhile, Countryman said H-E-B—which owns land at the intersection of Hwy. 105 and FM 2854—is hoping to open its doors by the end of 2025.

Additionally, Countryman said future city improvements will also include:

• Updating sewer lines
• Changing McAllen Street to a walking and gathering promenade street
• Revitalizing downtown
• Replacing trash cans