Conroe council votes to deny citywide development moratorium amid water-capacity dispute

Conroe—The Conroe City Council on May 30 voted to deny a proposed citywide moratorium on development related to the city's water-capacity shortfall, after residents, builders and developers urged the council to delay or reject the restriction while state reviews and funding negotiations continue.

Councilwoman Porter moved to deny the moratorium, and the motion carried after a voice vote. Council members also directed city staff to continue issuing permits in parts of the city that have sufficient water capacity while longer-term solutions are pursued.

The vote followed a public hearing in which industry and local business representatives said a citywide moratorium would cause significant economic harm. Dan Miller, chief financial officer of Camillo Company and a representative of Legend Homes, told the council that developers were prepared to "add infrastructure and water connections that go above and beyond what's required" and asked the council to delay any moratorium on new residential permits.

"Completing homes protects the investment while maintaining the character integrity of Conroe's neighborhoods," Miller said.

Speakers representing property owners, builders and real-estate…