Concerns over a proposed citywide development moratorium took center stage at the Conroe City Council special meeting on May 30, 2025, as community members and officials voiced their apprehensions about the potential impact on local growth and economy.

During the meeting, several speakers, including local developers and residents, urged the council to reconsider the moratorium, arguing that it could have devastating effects on businesses, banks, and healthcare providers reliant on the city's expansion. One speaker highlighted that the moratorium could lead to permanent damage to the community's economic fabric, emphasizing the need for a thorough review of the city's water capacity before making such a sweeping decision.

John Sellers, a resident and developer, pointed out that the engineering assessments regarding the water issue were misrepresented. He referenced a memo from a professional engineer stating that the concerns were more about "paper capacity" rather than an operational failure, suggesting that a moratorium would not effectively address the underlying issues. Sellers called for a delay in the vote to allow for further investigation and to seek additional engineering opinions.

Nate Newman, representing a local development corporation, echoed these sentiments, arguing that the moratorium would hinder ongoing projects and negatively affect job creation and tax revenue for the city. He noted that their developments, which include office warehouses, do not significantly impact water usage, further questioning the necessity of the moratorium.

In response to the growing concerns, a council member proposed to table the moratorium for 45 days to allow for a comprehensive review of the situation, particularly in light of a recent $15 million grant secured for water infrastructure improvements. This motion aims to provide time for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to assess the city's water capacity and for city officials to explore potential waivers.

The meeting underscored the tension between ensuring responsible development and addressing community concerns about infrastructure capacity. As the council prepares to revisit the moratorium, the outcome will significantly influence Conroe's growth trajectory and economic health in the coming months.