Monday Edit

TOGETHER WITH HANNAH HARRIS & TAFI DANIELS:

Hello Monday.

Reading an email newsletter is kinda like old-time word of mouth—only quicker, easier, and way more reliable. It’s your neighborly update on what’s happening around our city, minus the front porch chatter and with all the facts in one tidy place.

Here’s your Monday Scoop—keeping you in the loop on all things happening in our community. 💙 

Did a friend share this newsletter with you? Subscribe to our mailing list to ensure future updates are delivered directly in your inbox!

Growing Mont Belvieu | Summer Spotlight 🚨 

Mont Belvieu Crossing 🚂 

Long-time residents remember when the northwest corner of I-10 and Eagle Drive was nothing but empty pasture. Cattle used to graze right where shoppers now browse the aisles of H-E-B and other retailers. Back then, if anyone wanted anything beyond gas station snacks, they had to make the trek to Baytown or further out. Those days are long gone, and the community has mixed feelings about all the changes.

The Way Things Were

Before all this development, that corner was just city-owned pastureland. Nothing fancy about it. In 2016, city officials decided to sell off 41 acres to Fidelis and H-E-B, hoping to bring some retail life to the growing town. The community grew rapidly – population doubled between 2010 and 2020 and the city needed a commercial core, so this high-traffic location was a natural fit.

First Store: H-E-B Arrives

May 2018 marked the day when everything shifted. H-E-B opened their doors, and suddenly the area had an anchor store for what would become a 300,000 square foot shopping center. Having H-E-B locally instead of driving to Baytown was a welcome change for many residents. Once H-E-B proved this spot could work, national chains started rolling in one after another.

Today the development boasts a mix of big-brand stores, services, and dining – essentially a whole shopping trip contained within a few parking lots. With the latest opening of Burlington, Airi Ramen and Wingstop, residents who once had to leave town now have a one-stop shop at their doorstep. But, it didn’t come without complaints.

Burlington: The Store Nobody Wanted

When Burlington was announced, locals weren’t thrilled. Many felt it was redundant with T.J. Maxx and Five Below already in place and worried it signaled a shift toward more discount retail, like what’s found in nearby Baytown. A 2024 community survey echoed this, with residents asking for "higher quality shopping" like Costco, HomeGoods, Target, or Academy Sports.

Who Picks the Tenants?

So who picked Burlington? While the city sold the land and can help steer development, it doesn’t get to handpick tenants. Once zoning is approved, Fidelis (the developer) leases to tenants that fit market demand. The city can guide overall direction with incentives and infrastructure, but it doesn’t control specific retail choices.

Do Residents Have a Voice?

Yes—but not via rants on Facebook. Better options:

• Talk to city officials directly – they need to hear from us, not just see our social media rants.

• Show up to meetings – zoning meetings, city council sessions. Yes, they can be boring, but that's where real decisions happen.

• Reach out to developers – be respectful, but let Fidelis know what the community wants.

• Vote with your wallet – support the businesses you want to see succeed and thrive.

• Use official channels – things like FlashVote surveys through the City of Mont Belvieu actually matter to decision-makers.

The Big Picture

This development has completely changed our little corner of the world. Whether you love having Burlington or think it's a waste of perfectly good retail space, it's a sign that we're not the sleepy farm town we used to be. We're growing, and growing means change.

Want more say in what happens next? Get involved. Stay informed. Speak up where it actually counts – not just online, but in the real conversations and decisions that shape our community. Because like it or not, Mont Belvieu Crossing is just the beginning.

Dreaming of a New Home Without the Hassle? 🏠✨

If interest rates, closing costs, or looming resale repairs have you hesitating—new construction might be your perfect match! Hannah Harris and Tafi Daniels of the Powerhouse Realty Group— your trusted local real estate duo, are here to help you navigate every step.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s happening in the real estate pricing trends in Barbers Hill ISD this week:

• Lowest new construction price: $291,000

• Highest new construction price: $750,000

• Total price range of all homes available: $149,000 to $2.5 million

With price points for every stage of life, there's truly something for everyone. Got questions? Hannah & Tafi have answers. Let them help you find your version of home sweet home.💙 Text HOME to 409.679.4045 or click here to find out more!

Want YOUR business in the spotlight? Partner with The Scoop on The Hill and reach thousands of local readers every week!

Mont Belvieu Animal Shelter Scoop | Meet Rain

Rain is a 5-month-old hound mix with a heart full of sunshine and a tail that never stops wagging! Weighing in at around 22 pounds, this sweet girl loves people, adores her toys, and is always up for a good snuggle. She’s friendly with all ages, gets along well with other dogs, and, thanks to her young age, can easily adjust to a home with cats too. Rain is ready to bring joy, play, and plenty of cuddles to her forever family!

Need Vet Advice Without the Waiting Room?🐾

Skip the stress and get expert answers fast with JustAnswer! This online platform connects you directly with licensed veterinarians—anytime, anywhere. Whether your pup’s acting strange or your cat’s not eating, you can ask questions, describe symptoms, and get real professional advice without leaving home.

It’s peace of mind for pet parents, right at your fingertips. 🐶🐱

Ask a Vet Now ➜

Barbers Hill Athletics | ⚾️🎾🥎 

The Barbers Hill Athletic Program made history this year with an incredible run—eleven teams advanced to the State level, showcasing the strength, talent, and dedication across the board. From the field to the court, these student-athletes brought pride to the Hill and proved that Barbers Hill doesn’t just compete—it soars.🦅 

Barbers Hill-opoly | What’s the Scoop?

The game is in the final stages with the design team. We are hoping to get our sample within the next couple weeks and once approved— production itself will move rather quickly. We are still anticipating a late summer arrival date and will continue to keep our readers in the loop! 💙 

Thanks!

You’ve made it this far—now you’re in the loop on all things Mont Belvieu! Don’t forget to spread the word to everyone you know.

Disclaimer: The Scoop is written by real-life humans. Not 🤖’s. Expect an occasional mistake that we’ll laugh about later!

Till next time!