A new high-density residential development is raising concerns among residents in Montgomery but county officials say the project is properly permitted and meets building requirements.

Residents in the area are asking county officials to review the project via a petition launched last month that has garnered almost 900 signatures. Residents say the development’s location will increase the chances of serious car crashes.

“We know that intersection and that curve well, and it’s already stressful pulling out onto 1097,” said Sarah Gwin, who started the petition. “If, God forbid, someone is seriously injured or killed in an accident because adequate traffic measures haven’t been addressed and now 300+ additional residents are trying to enter and exit Pearson Road, who’s going to be responsible?”

Gwin, whose family owns property on Pearson Road, said growth is expected in the area but said safety concerns need to be addressed. 

“I don’t think you have to be an engineer to look at that road and realize it wasn’t built to handle that kind of traffic,” Gwin said. “It seems inevitable that accidents are going to increase and lives are in jeopardy.”

Precinct 2 Commissioner Robert Walker said he is aware of the community but said the county has no concerns about how it is being developed.

“They have met all the criteria for the county,” Walker said. “The county is growing. It’s everywhere. We can’t stop any of that.”

James Taylor, managing director and chief operating officer for Gated Rentals, said his company is filling the need for affordable housing with what he called “quiet, clean, calm” communities.

“We have a mission to support working-class Americans,” Taylor said. “These are small, efficient, affordable homes.”

Taylor said the homes are about 400 square feet with one bedroom and one bath. The homes are factory-manufactured and then placed in the community. Each community is gated, he said.

“These are permanently placed,” Taylor said. “We are providing homes for people who already live and work in those areas.” 

Taylor said while safety is always a concern, the company works closely with state officials, such as the Texas Department of Transportation, on road improvements near Gated Rentals communities. 

Dirt work for the project is underway and the project is expected to be completed in about 12 months, weather permitting.