The controversial Colony Ridge housing complex, which is located 35 miles north of Houston, has been the subject of decisive action by Texas’ highest elected authorities.
This sprawling community, home to an estimated 75,000 residents, has been at the center of a storm of allegations, from attracting illegal immigrants to causing chaos in the area.
Governor Abbott’s Launch of Aliens Investigation
Back in September, The Post shed light on the concerns of local residents who deemed Colony Ridge a no-go area. They accused the development of harboring criminals and drug cartels, all while acting as a magnet for undocumented immigrants.
Colony Ridge’s developers, billionaire brothers John and Trey Harris, were accused of luring people, particularly migrants, with the promise of suburban homeownership, which, in reality, critics argue, materializes as a vast, poorly constructed, environmentally hazardous trailer park that relies on predatory lending practices.
Governor Greg Abbott initially called for an investigation into Colony Ridge, but no legislative action had been taken at that time. Critics have questioned Abbott’s stance, given his receipt of over $1.5 million in campaign contributions from the Harris brothers, accusing him of having prior knowledge of the Colony Ridge situation.
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Land Development Standards in Question
Now, both Governor Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton are urging state lawmakers to utilize their authority to investigate the matter further, especially in light of a special legislative session currently in progress.
Attorney General Paxton voiced his concerns, stating, “The development appears to be attracting and enabling illegal alien settlement in the state of Texas and distressing neighboring cities and school districts.” He underlined the growing complaints from nearby communities regarding the development’s unmanageable growth and the resulting challenges it poses.
Furthermore, Paxton suggested that Colony Ridge might be part of a broader trend in Texas, where real estate developers purchase large swaths of undeveloped land, create makeshift subdivisions, and then offer bare lots with minimal down-payment, high-interest owner-financed loans. This practice has raised significant questions about land use and development standards in the state.
As the investigation unfolds, the fate of Colony Ridge and the allegations surrounding it will come under the spotlight, potentially shedding light on the broader concerns of land development and predatory lending practices in Texas. The outcome of this inquiry will have far-reaching implications, not only for Colony Ridge but also for the future of real estate development in the state.
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