Chambers County court backs Belmont Development’s bid to rehab Winnie Square senior apartments

Chambers County Commissioners voted Feb. 10 to provide a resolution of support for Belmont Development Company’s application to acquire and substantially rehabilitate Winnie Square Apartments, a 32‑unit senior housing complex at 218 Magnolia Road in Winnie.

Derek Hamilton, principal of Belmont Development Company, told the court the company plans “substantial rehab” including new roofs, sidewalks, interior finishes, appliances, windows, doors and HVAC equipment as well as LED lighting and energy‑efficient water heaters and refrigerators. Hamilton said the developer will apply for funding Feb. 27 and expected to learn the outcome in July, with work targeted to begin in late fall or early winter.

Hamilton asked the court to show community support and to consider a waiver of building permit fees to strengthen the application. “We are asking for a resolution of support to apply for some funding to purchase and rehab the Winnie Square Apartments in Winnie, Texas,” Hamilton said. He described the property as a 32‑unit senior property and said the fee waiver would make the application more competitive.

Commissioner Gore voiced support, saying the project would benefit local residents and naming a county employee who lives at the facility. After brief discussion the court moved, seconded and approved the resolution by voice vote.

The court did not record a roll‑call tally in the transcript. Hamilton said the applicant will learn whether the grant is awarded in July and, if successful, expects to begin rehabilitation later in the year.

Next steps: the developer will submit its application and the county’s resolution will be included as evidence of community support. The court did not set a follow‑up hearing in the transcript.