As a Houston Suburb Urbanizes, How Long Can it Avoid "Big-City Issues"?

The Woodlands was conceived four decades ago as a new style of suburb, mixing the urban and pastoral. And by all accounts it has remained a "special place" as it has matured. But as it nears full build-out, some wonder if its bubble might soon burst.

September 10, 2013, 7am PDT | Jonathan Nettler | @nettsj

"Since its early days, The Woodlands has been woodlands, with homes nestled between countless trees and an overall setting that looks more like a park than a subdivision," observes Mike Tolson. "But today, well into its fifth decade, it is more: urban life without the grit, funkiness, aggravation and fear."

"In time, residents of The Woodlands might need for their hometown to become a full-fledged city with ordinance-making powers along with its own public safety and public works departments. For the time being, surveys say they are satisfied with the current, unique 'township' form of government, which is a hybrid between a private corporation and elected municipal government. But for how long?"

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The Woodlands' new urban face challenges suburban feel

Published on Monday, September 2, 2013 in The Houston Chronicle