What's happening?
Officials with the Greater East Montgomery County Chamber and Partnership Lake Houston announced the "Northpark Needs You" campaign via a news release July 29.
"This regional effort comes in response to construction initiated by the Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority, which—while vital to infrastructure—is placing a heavy burden on local businesses that depend on in-person customers," the release reads.
The campaign aims to raise awareness and inspire residents to "shop local, dine local and drive the extra mile for Kingwood businesses." Per the release, the most affected businesses are those located along the Northpark Drive corridor and near Russell Palmer Road where "detours, delays and reduced accessibility are contributing to significant revenue loss."
Some context
Construction on a two-part project along Northpark Drive began in 2023 and is expected to continue through 2030, as previously reported by Community Impact.
Construction is underway on Phase 1, which will:
- Construct a new overpass over the Union Pacific Corp. railroad tracks and Loop 494
- Construct westbound and eastbound frontage roads beside the overpass
- Widen Northpark Drive between Hwy. 59 and the overpass
Not yet under construction, Phase 2 will:
- Expand Northpark Drive from four to six lanes between Woodland Hills Drive and Russell Palmer Road
- Replace both bridges at the Kingwood Diversion Ditch and the crossing at Ben's Branch
- Install drainage infrastructure along the roadway
The $149.6 million two-phase project is being funded through a combination of city of Houston funds and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone funds.
What they're saying
- "Progress is essential, but it doesn't come without challenges," GEMCC President and CEO Mark Linabury said in a statement. "This initiative is about encouraging our community to rally behind the businesses that make Kingwood thrive—regardless of whether they are chamber members or which chamber they belong to."
- "Every effort matters—every visit, every purchase," PLH President and CEO Ray Hernandez said in a statement. "We're asking our community to go beyond convenience and make conscious choices that keep our local economy strong."
As part of the campaign, chamber officials have launched an online directory that showcases more than 120 businesses that are located along the affected corridor and are dependent upon in-person customers. Among the businesses included in the directory are local restaurants, shops and service providers. For a complete list of businesses, visit www.northpark.biz.
Emily Lincke contributed to this report.
