ABSTRACT

Chapter 16 reviews The Woodlands development history from the 1970s to the 2010s. Results indicate that McHarg’s approach met the original planning goals to preserve the forest environment and to minimize the development impacts on watershed hydrology. McHarg’s approach, however, was not followed after the ownership change. Barriers came from each side of the development: homeowner (demand), developer (provider), designer (professional service), and government (policy maker). The Woodlands’ environmental planning success in early phases was also attributed to developer George Mitchell’s personal commitment and financial support, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s loan support, and the relatively flexible planning system in the 1970s.