Residents say Kings Colony roads neglected despite county’s $480 million investment

NEW CANEY, Texas – Residents of Kings Colony say their neighborhood roads have been in disrepair for more than a decade, turning each drive into an obstacle course.

“That’s what drives me crazy,” said resident Lorena Calderón, gesturing at the uneven terrain. “Every road, every road you go down is the same.”

Families say their cars bear the brunt of the poor conditions. “You fix your car, and less than a year later it’s the same thing. Tires, suspension, everything breaks again,” they said. One parent noted they stop ordering deliveries or inviting people over to avoid risking damage to visitors’ vehicles.

Some students reportedly receive bus drop-offs at the neighborhood entrance because school buses won’t venture through the potholes. Others mentioned childcare and mobility concerns, including for residents who rely on wheelchairs and must navigate the roads on foot.

Montgomery County’s Precinct 4 responded with key details: Kings Colony roads became the county’s responsibility only in 2022. Before that, maintenance was handled by the developer and the property owners association.

The county has completed 66 grading and patching jobs over the past 2.5 years but admits these fixes are short term.

Officials said the roads were added without funding or a paving plan. Dense tree growth along roadside ditches must be cleared before proper drainage work and paving can occur—a cost that exceeds the precinct’s maintenance budget.

Precinct 4 maintains more than 1,000 miles of roads, and Kings Colony is one of several unpaved areas still on the internal evaluation list. Upcoming possibilities include consideration in future budgets or pursuing external grants.

Earlier this year, Montgomery County approved a $480 million road bond. That money is funding major infrastructure projects like widening Ford Road and Sorters Road and building bridges across East Montgomery County. However, none of that funding is designated for Kings Colony.

For residents who pay property taxes and about $180 a year in POA fees, the lack of investment fuels deep frustration.

“It’s infuriating,” Calderón said. “Why is it not a priority? We do not matter. If this was a white neighborhood, they would have fixed it a long time ago.” Neighbors say they feel ignored and relegated to the sidelines.

Precinct 4 insists Kings Colony remains on its internal assessment list, with consideration tied to future budget cycles and grant opportunities. Meanwhile, residents want more than hopeful planning—they want lasting roads, not recurring patches.

By the numbers:

  • Paving money for Kings Colony: $0
  • Montgomery County road bond: $480 million (approved this year)
  • Precinct 4 annual road budget: Approximately $9 million for roads and bridges
  • Temporary patch jobs done: 66 in Kings Colony over 2.5 years
  • Total county-maintained roads: Over 1,000 miles

“They just need to come down here and drive these roads like we do every day,” Calderón said. Her plea captures the community’s urgent request for visibility and action.


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