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Pearland Friendswood Edition VOLUME 10, ISSUE 3 FEB. 15MARCH 13, 2024
2024 Voter Guide
Friendswood’s future hub
Friendswood City Center aims to revitalize the city with several amenities, attracting residents and boosting the local economy.
RENDERING COURTESY TANNOS DEVELOPMENT GROUP
$750M Friendswood City Center development will bring hotel, retail, dining, entertainment to city
In response to this long-standing challenge, the city and Tannos Development Group, led by President Louis Tannos, are working to create the Friendswood City Center project.
“A lot of people in Friendswood, if they wanted to give their business or have fun, they would go to the neighboring areas around Friendswood,” said Carol Marcantel, president of the Friendswood Chamber of Commerce.
BY SHAHERYAR KHAN
For years, ocials in Friendswood have grappled with a persistent issue—a lack of local amenities and attractions—driving residents to neighboring areas for entertainment and services.
CONTINUED ON 16
Also in this issue
Impacts: Haraz Coee House opens in Pearland (Page 6)
Government: Pearland Animal Shelter faces space issues (Page 8)
Election: See who’s on the ballot for March’s primary (Page 10)
Transportation: Pearland looks to share Hughes Road cost (Page 14)
You are at the heart of
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PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD EDITION
Impacts
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4 The Original Hot Chicken and Inked Tacos The Georgia-based dual-eatery opened its first Texas location in Houston in November. The restaurant combo offers two menus: one that features variations of the Nashville-original hot chicken sandwich, and another that features Mexican-inspired tacos. • Opened Nov. 14 • 4001 Mega Energy, Houston • www.oghotchicken.com, www.inkedtacos.com 5 Sweet Magnolia’s Tea Room The business opened in Pearland and serves fresh sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and a variety of drinks, according to a social media post from the business. It also hosts events. • Opened in February
according to a press release from the company. The new location serves doughnuts in more than 60 varieties, including its plain glazed. • Opened Jan. 5 • 19429 Hwy. 6, Manvel • www.shipleydonuts.com 3 The Barn at Bonner Creek The venue opened in Rosharon, providing guests more than 100 acres of land to celebrate weddings, birthdays, retirement parties and more. The site can accommodate up to 300 guests, and it overlooks a 255-acre lake and Bonner Creek, business owner Lisa Rouse said. • Opened in November
Now open
1 Mango As part of the company’s expansion, the Spanish fashion retailer has opened a new location in Baybrook Mall, marking the second location in the Greater Houston area to open since last year, according to a social media
post from the mall. • Opened in October • 500 Baybrook Mall, Friendswood • www.shop.mango.com
2 Shipley Do-Nuts The doughnut shop opened in Manvel, adding to its more than 300 total locations across a dozen states,
• 15355 County Road 526, Rosharon • www.thebarnatbonnercreek.com
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Now open
Now open
6 The Spot The business opened at Hobby Airport in the first week of February. The restaurant serves a number of American dishes and offers new breakfast items at the Hobby Airport location, restaurant manager Walter Fuentes said. • Opened in the first week of February • 7800 Airport Blvd., Houston • www.islandfamous.com
Coming soon
7 Tri Tran Dental Office The practice is set to open in Manvel in 2024, owner Tri Tran said. The business will be a new build.
11 Haraz Coffee House The Yemeni coffee shop opened a location in Pearland, marking its second one in the Greater Houston area. The coffee beans used at the coffee shop are grown from altitudes over 3,000 feet in a village in Haraz, Yemen. • Opened Jan. 12 • 11401 Broadway St., Ste. 101, Pearland • www.harazcoffeehouse.com
14 CLS Health Primary Care Clinic The clinic opened in Pearland in early December. CLS Health is a physician-owned health care group with over 33 locations and more than 160 providers in the Greater Houston area. • Opened Dec. 1 • 10905 Memorial Hermann Drive, Ste. 130, Pearland • www.cls.health
• Opening by the end of 2024 • 7218 Masters Road, Manvel
8 The Learning Experience The new center looks to provide quality child care and early education for children between the ages of 6 weeks and 6 years old, spokesperson Geena El-Haj said. • Opening in early 2025
• 5521 Orchard Park Lane, Manvel • www.thelearningexperience.com
9 Dutch Bros Coffee The coffee shop is opening in Webster, a spokesperson with the company said in an email. The company serves a variety of coffee products, including nitro and cold brews, tea, lemonade, shakes and various seasonal drinks, according to the company’s website. • Opening in February • 20720 Gulf Freeway, Webster • www.dutchbros.com 10 Jinya Ramen Bar The business is known for its slow-cooked approach to ramen, made from broths simmered in-house for over 20 hours, according to the restaurant’s website. • Opening July 15 • 9240 Broadway St., Pearland
• www.jinyaramenbar.com
4,500 square feet in size. • Opening by the end of 2024 • 10940 Discovery Bay Drive, Pearland • www.mintexpresscarwash.com
12 Next Level Urgent Care The center treats a number of illnesses, injuries and disorders, and is opening in Manvel, according to the company’s website. A spokesperson confirmed in an email the location will open up later in 2024. • Opening in second half of 2024 • 19804 Morris Ave., Ste. 160, Manvel • www.nextlevelurgentcare.com 13 Mint Express Car Wash The company is opening a new location in Pearland, officials with the company said in an email. The location could be completed by the end of the year and will be
In the news
15 Natural Rewards The health food store operating in Pearland celebrated its 25th anniversary on Jan. 11. The business is a women- owned, Christian-based company offering a variety of supplements, essential oils, specialty soaps and micro greens. • 3704 C E. Broadway St., Pearland • www.naturalrewardstx.com
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PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD EDITION
Government
BY RACHEL LELAND
Pearland Animal Shelter faces space problems for medium, large dogs
What residents should know
“We don’t get in the business to put animals to sleep. But we understand that public safety and the well-being of animals in our communities is
Yet, the shelter’s struggle with keeping kennels available for new dogs began much earlier, Rogers said. Many shelters completely shut down during the height of the pandemic, which meant shelter sta were not patrolling the streets for strays. That contributed to a spike in stray dog and cat populations, which Rogers said communities—both locally and nationwide— have not recovered from. “If you call most of the shelters around in the Gulf Coast area and say that you found a stray animal, the large portion of them are not going to be able to help you,” Rogers said. “They’re not going to take the stray in Houston, Harris County, Fort Bend, even us in Pearland.”
Like many animal shelters across Texas and the United States, the Pearland Animal Shelter & Adoption Center—a division within the Pearland Police Department—faces serious capacity challenges, said Chad Rogers, a Pearland police ocer who also serves as the shelter’s public information ocer. The shelter faces capacity challenges for dogs for myriad reasons, including policies put in place following the breakout of COVID-19 in 2020 and recent large-scale rescue operations, Rogers said. For example, in August, Pearland Police Department ocers seized 85 dogs who had likely spent their entire lives inside one Pearland home, Rogers said.
important. So we do what we need to do, but we wish there were other options.” CHAD RODGERS, PEARLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
What else?
It’s the shelter’s policy not to take in new dogs if there are no empty kennels, and on Jan. 18, the shelter had no kennels for medium and large dogs, Animal Services Manager John Fischer said. If a dog is injured or poses a public safety issue, the shelter will take the dog in, but the dog that has been sheltered the longest will be euthanized for space, Rogers said. The shelter hasn’t had to euthanize for space in recent years, except for 2023, Rogers said. “We’re going to have to hang onto animals,” Rogers said. “We’re going to have to do a massive spay and neuter eort over the next couple of years in hopes that the numbers balance out.” The center is seeking volunteers as well to help with the animals and assist with o-site adoption, according to the shelter’s website.
Shelter intake
Pearland hasn’t been able to take in as many stray dogs due to capacity challenges, which date back to 2020, Rogers said.
Yearly intake of dogs
Current kennel capacity
1,108
1,200
Small dogs: 44
911
883
Total: 103
1,000
Large-to- medium dogs: 59
800
0 600
728
SOURCES: PEARLAND ANIMAL SHELTER, TEXAS OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT
2020
2021
2022
2023
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY RACHEL LELAND
Pearland starts design of sportsplex expansion Pearland ocials are starting to work toward upgrades for the city’s Hickory Slough Sportsplex after City Council approved a contract for design additions at its Jan. 22 meeting. What you need to know The design contract, worth $1.69 million, will go to Kimley Horn and Associates, according to agenda documents. The entire project, including construction, which represents the second phase of the sportsplex’s development, will total $17.6 million. According to city documents, the proposed development includes adding six lighted sports elds, a pavilion, additional parking, a playground, and expanded restroom and concession facilities. Currently, the sportsplex serves Pearland Youth Lacrosse and Shadow Creek Soccer Club, according to agenda documents.
Pearland water users to get service portal After years of eorts to improve and update Pearland’s water utility services, Pearland customers will have a new service portal to track their water usage this spring. The gist The portal will tentatively go live in May, according to a Jan. 9 City Council presenta- tion. Among other things, the portal will track usage and oer payment options.
Sportsplex breakdown
Construction starts
Construction nishes
JUNE 2025
JUNE 2026
Total project cost:
$17.6M
Percentage of design portion:
9.6%
90.4% remaining budget
SOURCE: CITY OF PEARLAND COMMUNITY IMPACT
“The customer service portal will put a lot of data and power in our customers’ hands.” TRENT EPPERSON, PEARLAND CITY MANAGER
HICKORY SLOUGH SPORTSPLEX
N
We have a wide range of competitive personal and business banking services. And with that full-service convenience banking comes our HomeTown, accessible team of friendly staff members and their commitment to serving the Pearland community. We have a wide range of competitive personal and business banking services. And with that full-service convenience banking comes our HomeTown, accessible team of friendly staff members and their commitment to serving the Pearland community. YES, WE DO. We have a wide range of competitive personal and business banking services. And with that full-service convenience banking comes our HomeTown, accessible team of friendly staff members and their commitment to serving the Pearland community. We have a wide range of competitive personal and business banking services. And with that full-service convenience banking comes our HomeTown, accessible team of friendly staff members and their commitment to serving the Pearland community. YES, WE DO. YES, DO.
4 Mobile deposit – Quick as a click! 4 Instant-issue debit cards 4 Online bill pay 4 Savings Made Simple – debit card transaction automatic savings tool 4 Money Management – create your own budget online! 4 Business Banking – Online cash management for businesses 4 Commercial Remote Deposit Capture for businesses* 4 Positive Pay check fraud prevention for businesses* 4 Commercial Remote Deposit Capture for businesses* 4 Positive Pay check fraud prevention for businesses* 4 Free app for your smartphone 4 Send money to friends and family using their email or phone number* 4 Instant debit card transaction alerts with SecurLock Equip 4 Move money easily between external accounts* 4 Mobile deposit – Quick as a click! 4 Instant-issue debit cards 4 Online bill pay 4 Savings Made Simple – debit card transaction automatic savings tool 4 Money Management – create your own budget online! 4 Business Banking – Online cash management for businesses Loan decisions are made locally by people who share your interests. HomeTown Bank’s business lending options include: 4 Equipment loans 4 Acquisitions 4 Construction loans 4 Real estate purchases 4 Expansion plans 4 Lines of credit Loan decisions are made locally by people who share your interests. HomeTown Bank’s business lending options include: 4 Equipment loans 4 Acquisitions 4 Construction loans 4 Real estate purchases 4 Expansion plans 4 Lines of credit 4 Commercial Remote Deposit Capture for businesses* 4 Positive Pay check fraud prevention for businesses* Loan decisions are made locally by people who share your interests. HomeTown Bank’s business lending options include: 4 Equipment loans 4 Acquisitions 4 Construction loans 4 Real estate purchases 4 Expansion plans 4 Lines of credit *Fees could apply Loan decisions are made locally by people who share your interests. HomeTown Bank’s business lending options include: Equipment loans Acquisitions 4 Construction loans 4 Real estate purchases Loan decisions are made locally by people who share your interests. HomeTown Bank’s business lending options include: 4 Equipment loans 4 Acquisitions 4 Construction loans 4 Real estate purchases 4 Move money easily between external accounts* 4 Mobile deposit – Quick as a click! 4 Instant-issue debit cards 4 Online bill pay 4 Savings Made Simple – debit card transaction automatic savings tool 4 Money Management – create your own budget online! 4 Business Banking – Online cash management for businesses Free app for your smartphone Send money to friends and family using their email or phone number* 4 Instant debit card transaction alerts with SecurLock Equip 4 Move money easily between external accounts* 4 Mobile deposit – Quick as a click! 4 Instant-issue debit cards 4 Online bill pay 4 Savings Made Simple – debit card transaction automatic savings tool 4 Money Management – create your own budget online! 4 Business Banking – Online cash management for businesses 4 Free app for your smartphone 4 Send money to friends and family using their email or phone number* 4 Instant debit card transaction alerts with SecurLock Equip 4 Move money easily between external accounts* 4 Mobile deposit – Quick as a click! 4 Instant-issue debit cards 4 Online bill pay 4 Savings Made Simple – debit card transaction automatic savings tool 4 Money Management – create your own budget online! 4 Business Banking – Online cash management for businesses 4 Commercial Remote Deposit Capture for businesses* 4 Positive Pay check fraud prevention for businesses* 4 Commercial Remote Deposit Capture for businesses* 4 Positive Pay check fraud prevention for businesses* *Fees could apply 4 Expansion plans 4 Lines of credit 4 Expansion plans 4 Lines of credit
We have a wide range of competitive personal and business banking services. And with that full-service convenience banking comes our HomeTown, accessible team of friendly staff members and their commitment to serving the Pearland community.
Sean Murphy, Senior Vice President, Loan Officer and Branch Manager Sean Murphy, Senior Vice President, Loan Officer and Branch Manager
*Fees could apply
*Fees could apply
Sean Murphy, Senior Vice President, Loan Officer and Branch Manager
*Fees could apply
Sean Murphy, Senior Vice President, Loan Officer and Branch Manager Sean Murphy, Senior Vice President, Loan Officer and Branch Manager
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9
PEARLAND FRIENDSWOOD EDITION
Election
BY JAMES T. NORMAN
Voter Guide
2024
To view the full list of all contested state and national candidates, visit www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide. Only candidates in contested elections are included. Visit county election websites for information on uncontested races.
KEY
R Republican
D Democrat
*Incumbent
Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 2 D DaSean Jones D Randy Sarosdy Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 4 R John Devine* R Brian Walker Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 6 D Bonnie Lee Goldstein D Joe Pool
Galveston County sheriff R Jimmy Fullen R Ray Nolen Galveston County constable, Precinct 1 R Paul Davidson R John Fernandez Jr. R Blake Patton Galveston County constable, Precinct 2 R Paul Edinburgh* R Michel Roy Harris County sheriff R Glenn Cowan R Joe Danna R Paul Day R Mike Knox
Dates to know Feb. 5: Last day to register to vote Feb. 20: First day of early voting March 1: Last day of early voting March 5: Election day
Where to vote
Any voter can cast a ballot in the Republican or Democratic primary, but not both. Brazoria, Galveston and Harris county residents can cast their ballots at any polling location during early voting and on election day. For more information, visit www.harrisvotes.com, www. brazoriacountyclerktx.gov or www.galvestonvotes.org.
Local elections Brazoria County sheriff
R L. “Bo” Stallman* R Richard Foreman Brazoria County commissioner, Precinct 1 R Ted Broaddus R Jay Burridge R David Thacker R Mike Meadors Brazoria County constable, Precinct 1 R Mike Fulton R Jason B. Ringo R Jeff Dodson Brazoria County constable, Precinct 4 R James Brawner* R Janet Parten
Sample ballot
Federal races U.S. Congressional District 22 D Marquette Greene-Scott D Wayne Raasch
D Ed Gonzalez* D Joe Inocencio D Vergil Ratliff D Dana M. Wolfe Harris County Department of Education, Position 3 D Richard Cantu* D Josh Wallenstein Harris County constable, Precinct 2
State races Texas House District 29 R Jeffrey Barry R Alex Kamkar R Edgar Pacheco Jr. Texas House District 24
D Jerry Garcia* D David Garza
R Greg Bonnen* R Larissa Ramirez
SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, BRAZORIA, GALVESTON AND HARRIS COUNTIES/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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notice or obligation. Square footage is approximate only. Additional restrictions may apply. Furnishings and decorative items not included with home purchase. Artist renderings only. Subject to change. Schools, districts and zoning are outside of D.R. Horton, Inc.’s control and subject to change at any time. Buyer should conduct his or her own investigation of the present and future availability of school districts and school assignments. Seller has no control or responsibility for any changes to school districts or school assignments should they occur in the future. 12/2024.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY LIZZY SPANGLER
U.S. Representative, District 22, Democratic Party
Why did you choose to run in this election?
What is your top priority if elected?
I decided to run for Congress because it is time to return to handling the people’s business. Congress has become too partisan. As a councilwoman, I have the experience of voting on issues in a nonpartisan manner. I decided now is the time because we are losing our rights.
My top priority is reinstating women’s reproductive rights. Access to reproductive care is a human right. We must ensure access to reproductive health care services which include contraception, prenatal care and safe abortions. Reproductive rights are about bodily autonomy. We as women must be in control of our own bodies.
Marquette Greene-Scott Occupation: attorney Relevant experience: mayor pro tem; city councilwoman; attorney; former educator; decision-maker; driver of economic growth www.marquettegreenescott.com
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.
Wayne Raasch Candidate did not respond.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
Your Heart, Our Priority Every 33 seconds, a life is lost to heart disease in the United States. Don’t let those seconds define your story. At UTMB Health, your heart health is our priority . We’re committed to ensuring you receive personalized care and feel heard, supported and empowered on your journey to a healthier heart. Our team of expert cardiologists are dedicated to easing your concerns, delivering unparalleled care, and providing you with genuine peace of mind . In case of a suspected heart attack or any health emergency, dial 911 immediately. Remember, swift action can save lives.
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PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD EDITION
Education
BY HALEY VELASCO
BY JAMES T. NORMAN
*INCUMBENT
Brazoria County sheri, Republican Primary
Texas House, District 29, Republican Primary
How would you work with local school districts to improve safety?
What will be your top priority if elected?
Edgar Pacheco Jr. Occupation: special education advocate Relevant experience: legislative advocate; board president of Jonathan’s House www.edgarpachecojr.com
Jerey Barry Occupation: insurance sales
Alex Kamkar Occupation: real estate
The top priority since I took oce has been to build the Brazoria County Sheri’s Oce into a premier law enforcement agency, right here in Brazoria County. The citizens of Brazoria County deserve a sheri’s oce that is willing and able to appropriately respond to incidents that impact their safety.
We’ve hosted safety meetings with all school districts and law enforcement. Additionally, we are boosting specialized training for school incidents. Alongside our law enforcement partners, we are ensuring law enforcement, county-wide, is trained. Together, we are preparing to improve safety and respond eectively.
Bo Stallman* Occupation: sheri
Relevant experience: in Pearland, Economic Development Corporation; 6 years on school board; 2 years on City Council www.votejearry.com
Relevant experience: two terms Pearland council member; business owner www.alexkamkarfortexas.com
Relevant experience: sheri : 2021-present; 20 years of law enforcement experience; veteran 832-745-0981
What will be your top priorities if elected?
If elected, I’ll prioritize rebuilding trust in Texas’s education, advocating for a universal school choice program, and supporting Medicaid expansion for better healthcare access. Addressing tax issues, I aim for a balanced regime, easing reliance on property taxes, while supporting small businesses and workforce development to foster economic growth.
Priorities are secure the border, reduce property taxes, support of rst responders, protect our kids, insurance reform, and securing water sources for the next generation.
Support Governor [Greg] Abbott’s request for more resources for enhanced border security, permanently cut property taxes. Pass stricter ethics laws to keep elected ocials accountable.
Restoring our sheri’s oce to be a place of real law enforcement. Without making that a top priority, the continued failed performance will undermine all other priorities. To help put that in a deeper context, the county faces an unprecedented inux of extremely dangerous narcotics, while in parallel the more…
The specic objective of eective law enforcement response. Given the dynamics in our nation today, this coordination demands many things of the police and emergency response. I would like to work personally with the school leaders to ensure they receive a swift, tactical response and work alongside school districts...
Richard Foreman Occupation: chief of police
Relevant experience: 41 years of law enforcement experience in Brazoria County with 24 years in leadership 979-922-4073
NOTE: CANDIDATE TRENT PEREZ, WHO IS ON THE BALLOT, ANNOUNCED HE WAS DROPPING OUT OF THE RACE IN A DECEMBER SOCIAL MEDIA POST.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
SHADOW CREEK 11023 Shadow Creek Pkwy (281) 977-1027
PEARLAND 10555 Pearland Pkwy (713) 987-9205
ALMEDA 11130 Gulf Fwy (713) 910-3941
FRIENDSWOOD 3126 FM 528 (281) 648-5473
Transportation
BY RACHEL LELAND
Pearland, Harris County approve sharing cost of Hughes Road
Harris County will spend millions of dollars for the expansion of Hughes Road in Pearland as part of an interlocal agreement the pair of governing bodies approved in January. The backstory The city’s decision to enter the cost-sharing agreement with Harris County is the latest development in the city of Pearland’s eorts to fund the project, which began in the rst quarter of 2023 when Pearland submitted an application to Harris County to request the county fund roughly half—$4.8 million—of the $10.3 million road expansion project. Harris County’s Partnership Project Program typically oers a 50-50 cost-sharing agreement for awarded projects, according to agenda documents. The Hughes Road expansion project will widen the existing two-lane roadway to a four-lane boulevard section from Pearland Parkway to the city’s eastern limits to increase mobility, according
CLEAR CREEK
Pearland
Harris County will fund a portion of Hughes Road's expansion in Pearland.
N
RACHEL LELANDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
to agenda documents. It will also include the installation of sidewalks, street lighting, landscap- ing and irrigation. Pearland City Council approved the agreement at its Jan. 9 meeting. As part of its consent agenda, Harris County voted to enter the agreement at a Commissioners Court meeting held Jan. 30.
Next steps Pearland City Council will consider a contract for the project’s design portion on Feb. 26. The design phase is expected to last 18 months and will be followed by the project’s construction phase, which is expected to last 24 months, according to agenda documents.
CANDELA
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY HALEY VELASCO
Pearland ISD replaces student laptops for $6.2M Students in grades 5-12 will receive new per- sonal school laptops after Pearland ISD’s board of trustees approved the purchase at its Jan. 23 meeting. The gist The board approved the laptop purchases,
Friendswood ISD teachers get pay raise Teachers in Friendswood ISD will receive a new 2% pay raise over the summer in a one-time payment after the board of trustees approved the increase at its Jan. 16 meeting. The gist In July, the FISD board approved a 1.5% increase for district employees, including teachers. At the time of that vote, the board also discussed an additional increase of up to 2% for teachers. It’s estimated the cost of the 2% increase by itself will come in a little under $700,000, documents show. The decision for the 2% pay increase was dependent on the future status of the district’s nances, including the district’s voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE, which passed in November.
which were awarded to HP in a $6.23 million contract in a 5-1 vote. Trustee Kris Schoeer was the lone vote against it. The decision came after the board considered 22 dierent quotes to purchase 13,800 laptops, according to district documents. Schoeer opposed the purchase from a con- cern of the state of Texas being too forceful with current technology use within schools, as well as concerns over screen time. On the other side, trustee Sean Murphy said he felt the laptops would add convenience and help students make up class if they missed school.
“I think we need to get a message to the
“If you have a kid that’s out with the u for three
days ... If they have a laptop then they could possibly do some of that Canvas work [from home].” SEAN MURPHY, PISD SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE FOR
AGAINST
state of Texas that because of the actions they’ve taken, our hand is forced, and we’re having to educate in this way.”
KRIS SCHOEFFLER, PISD SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE
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PEARLAND FRIENDSWOOD EDITION
From the cover
Friendswood’s future hub
The details
Friendswood City Center
Retail
Mixed use
O ce
Apartments
Garage
FM 528
Slated to break ground in February, the Friendswood City Center aims to transform the city’s business and entertainment landscape with a 106-acre mixed-use development. Located at 3801 FM 528 in Friendswood, city documents show the project could include: • The irst hotel in Friendswood • A 500-unit multifamily complex • 150,000 square feet for retail spaces • 200,000 square feet of medical and ofice buildings • 225,000 square feet of mixed-use structures with 250-unit condominiums • A 52-acre park, which will be owned by the city The project could infuse about $750 million worth of new property value into the city, as well as add entertainment options and amenities that the city currently lacks, Tannos said. “Addressing the lack of hotel space was a priority, along with oering upscale dining and entertainment options,” Tannos said. Ocials also intend for the project to provide aordable housing options through condominiums, which will target younger residents, Tannos said.
Friendswood's rst hotel
528
UPPER POND
PARK LAND
LOWER POND
CLEAR CREEK
N
N
SOURCE: TANNOS DEVELOPMENT GROUPCOMMUNITY IMPACT
How we got here
been a barrier of entry to most developers.” Clear Creek Community Church owned the property before, Tannos said. Before the project started, the site was “earning less than nothing,” he said, in terms of economic benet to the city.
these obstacles made it one of the most challeng- ing properties in the city to develop. “The project requires a lot of ood mitigation as well as roadway investment for it to be devel- oped,” Kabiri said in an email. “To date that has
Previous attempts to develop the site encoun- tered hurdles, such as zoning restrictions, ood concerns and issues in optimizing the property’s potential, Tannos said. Friendswood City Manager Morad Kabiri said
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY SHAHERYAR KHAN
What they’re saying
The cost
What’s next
In December, the city approved the creation of a tax increment reinvestment zone, or TIRZ, for the site. The TIRZ freezes the property tax value and will have revenue created from new value go toward development, city documents show. A development agreement approved in Janu- ary will see Tannos cover consulting, legal and administrative costs while the city will handle infrastructure costs, which are estimated at $53 million. City ocials said 70% of TIRZ revenue will cover infrastructure debt, with 30% for operation and maintenance.
The groundbreaking ceremony, set for late February but not yet ocial, will mark the start of construction, Tannos said. Those initial eorts will target infrastructure needs, including roadways, utilities and drainage. While city ocials work on building out the infrastructure at the site, the next phase of construction could begin by the summer, Tannos said. Attention will also turn toward attracting tenants, retailers, restaurants, oce occupants and hotel operators, Kabiri said. Community involvement remains essential, with communication and collaboration ongoing to gather feedback and provide updates, Kabiri said. The development could create new jobs and raise the property values of the area, which in turn could bring upwards of $4 million annually in property tax revenue to the city, Kabiri said. Future phases may expand the development, introducing more amenities and complementary projects. There is no specic date set for the grand opening of Friendswood City Center at the moment, Tannos said. “Our focus now shifts to turning plans into reality,” Tannos said. “We’re dedicated to addressing critical infrastructure needs and engaging potential tenants to ensure the success of this transformative project.”
“Our approach prioritizes community needs and aesthetics, ensuring that the project oers a diverse
range of amenities rather than simply maximizing space.” LOUIS TANNOS, PRESIDENT, TANNOS DEVELOPMENT GROUP
“As a component to recoup our cost and live by what we had promised, … the cost for the operation, creation
Friendswood City Center infrastructure costs
and maintenance of these districts would be solely on the owners within the development and not on the rest of the taxpayers.” MORAD KABIRI, FRIENDSWOOD CITY MANAGER, AT A JAN. 8 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
1. Site preparation/demolition ( $15.04M )
2. Fire station ( $8.3M )
1
3. Water distribution/detention ( $7.82M )
2
4. Roadwork/improvements ( $6.81M )
5. Contingency ( $5.07M )
3
“We’ve been trying to promote ‘live here, shop here, play here.’ ... Spend your money here within the Friendswood city limits to help our economic base and keep the taxes down for the local citizens.” CAROL MARCANTEL,
6. Park improvements ( $4.63M )
4
7. Sanitation ( $2.56M )
5
6
8. Administrative and other ( $2.25M )
PRESIDENT, FRIENDSWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
9. Road improvements (non-PID) ( $520K )
SOURCE: CITY OF FRIENDSWOODCOMMUNITY IMPACT NOTE: $16M IN INTEREST AND FINANCING IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOTAL
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Real estate
The number of homes sold in the Pearland and Friendswood area in December 2023 compared to the previous year dropped in every ZIP code. Residential market data
Number of homes sold
December 2022
December 2023
-4.3%
-24.24%
-8.82%
-36.67%
-22.73%
45
77546
77578
77581
77583
77584
77581
521
518
77584
77583 77578
Median home sales price
77546
December
2022
2023
288
6
35
$385,000 $469,945 $336,950 $324,995 $340,000
$381,500 $467,692 $354,500 $350,113 $386,000
77546
N
77578
Homes sold by price point
77581
December 2023
77583
9
$800,000+
77584
28
$600,000-$800,000
74
$400,000-$600,000
Average days on the market
-14%
-42.27%
+38.89%
+3.26%
+80.95%
145
$200,000-$400,000
2
<$200,000
MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY ALINA ROGERS SPARROW REALTY • 281-961-2944 ALINAWROGERS@YAHOO.COM
77546
77578
77581
77583
77584
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