History
Founded in 2003 as a partnership between local governments and the state, the Westwood Magnolia Parkway Improvement District (WMPID) has supported infrastructure and public safety projects in the area of the FM 1488/2978 junction. For example, pictured above is the building of the Westwood Village Shopping Center where Target is located.
As of 2019, the District encompasses 1,800 acres.
WMPID responds to the needs of the community, funding projects that will help businesses and residents thrive. These projects have resulted in a significant revenue increase at the Westwood Village Shopping Center (2016 District revenue was $1.494 billion, 38% of which is attributable to this access). They have also increased public safety and improved the overall appearance of the District.
A Board of Directors oversees the implementation of WMPID’s mission in partnership with an Executive Team - both of which are eager to listen to the needs of the community and to respond with solutions.
WMPID’s Accomplishments to Date
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Extension of Research Forest Drive from Branch Crossing Drive to Egypt Road – this aids general traffic flow and provides a convenient route for Woodlands shoppers to patronize District businesses evidenced by a measurable increase of sales since the extension of Research Forest Dr.
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Development, staffing, and equipping (including the annual cost for three full-time deputies and vehicles) of a Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department substation in the Westwood Village Shopping Center – this improves response times and helps deter crime in the District.
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Purchase of a ladder truck for the Magnolia Volunteer Fire Department to serve multi-story businesses in the District – the truck is housed within the District boundary and helps improve ISO ratings for lower business insurance rates.
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Installation of standard, commercial – grade fireplugs along FM 1488 ( just east of the FM 2978 junction) – this expedites the refilling ability of fire tanker trucks and enhances District ISO ratings.
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Expansion of Honea Egypt Road to four lanes with a dedicated turning lane – this project was completed in 2018.
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Addressed the drainage issue for property owners on Egypt Lane. The Regional Detention Basin Partnership addressed drainage issues for a local school, church and a business development.
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Expansion of Egypt Lane to five lanes from FM 1488 to Research Forest Drive was completed in 2019.
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The South Egypt Lane expansion project involved the southern section of the route connecting the District to neighboring communities. This project is in progress to improve access to shopping areas.
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The Research Forest Drive R-Turn & Signal Enhancements project created a dedicated turning lane with a right turn extension to alleviate traffic and to enable shoppers to have better access to restaurant, medical offices, and future retail development.
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Additional projects include the Research Forest Median Improvements and Westwood Village Shopping Center.
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The Visionary Award was presented to the District Board by the Magnolia Independent School District for the expansion of Egypt Lane (pictured above center).
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The District awarded a grant to Lake Creek Greenway Partnership. Pictured above right is Chairman Carl Gerhardt presenting the grant to Glenn Buckley.
