The Woodlands Township board of directors meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday at 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. To view the entire agenda, click here.

 

1. The township will discuss an agenda item regarding proposed state legislation related to land usage in WG Jones State Forest. Senate Bill 1964, which as introduced would have given Texas A&M University the authority to use or lease up to 10 percent of the land in WG Jones State Forest for the construction of buildings or improvements for academic, research or commercial uses. The bill was filed in March by state Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe. Due to community pushback, Creighton announced his intent to replace text in the committee substitute legislation to state that the entire territory of the forest must remain undeveloped. The bill will be heard in committee Wednesday morning, prior to the board meeting.

 

2. The board will also hear a presentation on a residence homestead exemption analysis. If the board decided to approve an optional homestead exemption like Montgomery County did earlier this spring, it would be another form of property tax relief for residents. However, the effect of such an exemption on the 2018 fiscal year budget will not be available until the August budget meetings, according to the township.

 

3. The township will also discuss and provide input regarding the ongoing Bear Branch Park Master Plan, which will help guide future development or renovation of the park. Discussion also includes whether to locate a proposed 50-meter pool at the site of the park. When representatives from Burditt Consultants met with specific user groups over the past several months to develop the plan, they said the greatest demand for new amenities related to the renovation of the recreation center, along with the outdoor fitness areas, added parking and tennis courts.