Okay, we will have to suffer the nightmare of more construction on I-10 to enjoy the results.

I have a personal interest in the following story as the commute to my office, Keller Williams Realty Katy in the Villagio center, entails exiting I-10 West to enter the Grand Parkway S, SH 99. It’s a hassle on a non-congested day, always the most time consuming section of my journey. Lots of my Katy neighbors share my frustration as evidenced by the inevitable delay.

Andy Meyers, Fort Bend County Commissioner Precinct 3, announced that the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will begin construction of ramps on and off I-10 at the intersection of the Grand Parkway. This should bring considerable relief to Katy commuters.

TxDOT received funding for two direct connectors (ramps) one going from SH 99 E onto I-10 and the other going from I-10 W onto SH 99. Construction is scheduled to begin mid-2010 and will take 18 months. Traffic signals at that Katy intersection will be re-timed to accommodate the direct connectors.

The nightmare at Fry Rd and the Grand Parkway adjacent to HEB is being addressed. ” This is one of the most congested intersections in all of Fort Bend County,” according to Myers. It also impacts property values; when showing Katy real estate in this area, potential Katy home owners often shy away from buying immediately adjacent to this traffic mess. This can negatively impacts Katy home sellers in Grand Lakes West and Seven Meadows. Buyers always comment on the inevitable congestion.

A year-long study was conducted to find a solution to this growing problem. There are no simple answers. For starters:  The traffic signal at the Grand Parkway and Fry Rd. is controlled by TxDOT. The traffic signal in front of HEB on Fry Rd. was installed by HEB. The red-light at Fry Rd. and Seven Meadows Blvd. was installed by the county. No wonder there are policeman directing traffic in front of HEB!

For details of this year long report and attempted solutions, some made permanent, to the Fry Rd./Grand Parkway problem read the entire report at SevenMeadowsLive.com.

For information about Katy area homes, you can search the entire Houston MLS from this blog. For questions or to tour any area homes, contact me directly at 713-818-2404 or via email. I have specialized in Katy real estate for over 20 years. Experience does count!

“The beauty of Meadowbrook Farms Golf Course is in the details,” says “The Shark” Greg Norman, designer of Meadow Brook Farms. As one of the most anticipated (transitioning into ) private clubs in Houston, Meadowbrook Farms Golf Club offers the serious golfer a private and unrivaled golf experience. The level of service is highly touted.

Meadowbrook Farms Golf Course winds throughout the gorgeous master-planned community of Seven Meadows in the heart of Katy. Its design is unlike any other in the Houston area. This Greg Norman Signature Course can be played from 5,000 to 7,100 yards with multiple tees and sod-wall bunkers. White sand and greens are generous, subtle and approachable. The par-72 course is nestled among a multitude of hardwood trees, creeks, lakes, and wetlands terrain. It is framed by true native prairie grasses and wildflowers all of which promote creative shot strategy.

Among the facility’s most notable features are its GN-1 (hybrid Bermudagrass) tees, fairways, and roughs all created by Greg Norman Turf Company. The putting greens are Floradwarf and the perimeter roughs are native grasses and wildflowers providing beautiful vistas.

“From day one, being selected as the designer of Meadowbrook Farms was always a privilege. Members will discover a challenging course built in harmony with the site’s trees, creeks, lakes and wetlands. Meadowbrook Farms ranks as one of my most favorite courses and also holds the distinction as being my only course in the State of Texas,” said Greg Norman. This is quite an honor for Katy.

Perched above the 9th and 18th greens, the Clubhouse offers lovely views of the golf course while featuring  the ambiance of a Texas ranch. Members and guests will enjoy an intimate lounge and a well-stocked golf shop. Camaraderie will carry on in the 19th Hole where a full service member’s grill is planned. Other new member-focused amenities will be phased in as the club transitions to a fully private facility.

Designed to accommodate practice and private instruction, the Player Development Center includes a double-loaded driving range with practice areas at both the front and back. The facility also features GN-1 tee areas. There are various target greens and pitching greens with green side bunkers. There is a fairway that simulates a golf hole for driving practice. Distance locators, high-grade practice balls, spacious tee stations, golf bag rack with towels, benches and fresh water are all offered to complete the golfer’s experience. The first-rate golf professionals provide private instruction, group lessons and clinics.

For information about Katy area homes, you can search the entire Houston MLS from this blog. For questions or to tour any area homes, contact me directly at 713-818-2404. I have specialized in Katy real estate for over 20 years. Experience does count!