Pearland - Friendswood Edition | November 2024

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

Pearland Friendswood Edition VOLUME 10, ISSUE 12 NOV. 13DEC. 12, 2024

Pearland tackling streets eroded by drought

In March, Pearland released the city’s rst pavement condition index, or PCI, which is a study of Pearland’s 980 road miles, since 2014. PCI is determined by scanning for road defects and scoring roads on a scale from 0-100. A higher score indicates better conditions.

Excellent to very good (70-100)

Good (60-70)

Fair (50-60)

Marginal (40-50)

Poor to very poor (0-40)

521

288

1.5% 2014 3.6% 2023 Roads rated as "poor" or "very poor"

SOURCE: CITY OF PEARLANDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

study showed the city’s pavement condition index had fallen to a grade of 74—down from 76 in 2014, Community Impact previously reported. Ocials said among a few factors, recent droughts have caused issues with road quality.

In July 2023, Communications Director Josh Lee said the city conducted the rst study of Pearland’s roads since 2014, gathering data to determine the city’s pavement condition index, or PCI, which is graded on a scale of 0-100. The higher the score, the better the condition. Completed in March, the

BY RACHEL LELAND

As Pearland has grown in recent decades, city ocials have had to deal with a larger city street network, which has increased by 70% since 2006. This growth has prompted city sta to think critically about how to preserve Pearland’s streets.

CONTINUED ON 16

Also in this issue

Subscribe to our free daily email newsletter!

Government: Read about the upgrades Friendswood ocials are considering for the city's library and activity center (Page 8)

Transportation: Learn what TxDOT’s buyback of Hwy. 288 could mean for those taking the tollway (Page 18)

Canterra Creek is a premier master-planned community conveniently located along Hwy 288 just south of Pearland, providing easy access to major employers, exceptional dining, exciting entertainment and a variety in shopping. When you come home to Canterra Creek, your best life is just beginning.

• 20 minute drive to the Med Center • Future on-site Amenity Village for hours of fun • Immediate access to the nearby Sierra Vista Amenity Village anchored by a heated lazy river • Two future on-site schools

* Prices and availability of homes are subject to change without notice. On-site schools and Sierra Vista Lazy River details subject to change without notice. 10/24.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

We find innovative ways to keep your brain working the way it should. Like coordinating stroke care while you are in transit so treatment plans can start before you even get to the ER. All so you can go on living like you. This is neurological care designed for you. memorialhermann.org/neuro the focus of neurological advancements. You are

Advancing health. Personalizing care.

PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD EDITION

AMENITY VILLAGE

A NEW WAVE IN LIVING Amenity Village Features:

• An oh-so- wonderful heated lazy river — let your cares float away! • White sand beach —think tropical vacay! • Resort-style leisure pool —dive in! • Splash pad —for hours of splashing! • Bocce ball, basketball, & tennis courts — friendly match, anyone? • Clubhouse & fitness center —let’s cardio!

These are just some of the features the resident-only Amenity Village will offer — including the now under construction clubhouse and fitness center slated to open soon.

View Amenity Village Map

CR56 Meridiana Pkwy

HIGH $200s-$500s NEW HOMES FOR SALE AND RENT!

SIERRAVISTAHOUSTON.COM

* Prices and availability of homes in Sierra Vista are subject to change without notice. Amenity designs and construction schedules are subject to change without notice. Features included in the Sierra Vista Amenity Village are illustrative and may not represent the actual size and scale of the amenity village. 09/24

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Asia Armour Angela Bonilla Melissa Enaje Wesley Gardner Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Nichaela Shaheen Jessica Shorten Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Carson Weaver Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills

Papar Faircloth General Manager pfaircloth@ communityimpact.com

Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White Ronald Winters Account Executive Lindsay Radenz Senior Managing Editor Matt Stephens Senior Product Manager Kaitlin Schmidt Quality Desk Editor Sierra Rozen

James T. Norman Editor jnorman@ communityimpact.com

Jason Culpepper Publisher jculpepper@ communityimpact.com

16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 2814696181 CI careers

We've teamed up to bring you more of the stories you care about.

Join CI Patron for exclusive newsletters and swag.

communityimpact.com/careers linkedin.com/company/communityimpact plfnews@communityimpact.com plfads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising

Proudly printed by

Press releases

Advertising

Email newsletters

communityimpact.com/newsletter

Apply now for Spring 2025!

EOI

PEARLAND FRIENDSWOOD EDITION

Impacts

MCHARD RD.

SHADOW CREEK

MCHARD RD.

CLEAR CREEK

ORANGE ST.

Pearland

COUNTRY PLACE PKWY,

521

W. BROA D W A

NASA BYPASS

518

WALNUT ST.

S. GRAND BLVD.

Friendswood

BAYBROOK MALL DR.

M AGNOLIA PKWY.

288

BAILEY A V E .

JASMINE AVE.

EL DORADO BLVD.

MCKEEVER RD.

2351

521

SIENNA PKWY.

528

Manvel

528

MAP NOT TO SCALE

3 Chipotle The international restaurant chain serves build-your- own Mexican-inspired cuisine, such as burritos. • Opened Oct. 10 • 17307 State Highway 6, Ste. 101, Manvel • www.chipotle.com 4 Tacos Lupita’s The taco truck, which is permanently parked, serves tacos and breakfast items, among other items. • Opened in September • 4800 TX-35, Alvin • 832-359-5980 5 Whataburger The fast casual restaurant specializes in customized burgers and is known for its fancy and spicy ketchup.

• Opened Oct. 7 • 17311 State Highway 6 N., Manvel • www.whataburger.com

Now open

1 MedCoShare The medical co-working space provides flexible office space, administrative support and leasing to health care providers. • Opened in June • 3129 Kingsley Drive, Ste. 1940, Pearland • www.medcoshare.com/texas 2 Mania Jeans The Israeli menswear brand sells pants, t-shirts, suit

6 Pinspiration The DIY creative studio hosts events including classes, workshops, camps, and have a wine and beer bar and party rooms to help create a community of creatives. • Opened Sept. 28 • 1910 Country Place Parkway, Pearland • www.pinspiration.com 7 Jersey Mike’s Subs The New Jersey-based chain serves made-to-order hot and cold subs. • Opened Oct. 23 • 17307 State Hwy. 6, Ste. 104, Manvel • www.jerseymikes.com

jackets and tennis shoes. • Opened early October • 500 Baybrook Mall Drive, Friendswood • www.maniajeans.com

11555 Magnolia Pkwy., Suite 170 Pearland, TX 77584 713.852.6700 TexasBayCU.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

8 MINISO The Japanese retailer sells a collection of toys, home decor, stationery, beauty items, electronics and accessories. Across the world, it has over 5,500 locations in more than 100 countries. • Opened Sept. 30 • 11200 Broadway St., Ste. 900, Pearland • www.miniso.com 9 Jeju Island The Korean barbecue and sushi restaurant serves in an all-you-can-eat style with grilled meats, sushi and edamame, among other menu items. • Opened Oct. 15

13 Lowe’s The home improvement store sells appliances, hardware, building and cleaning supplies and flooring items, among other items. • Opening fall 2025 • SH-288, Hwy. 6, Manvel • www.lowes.com 14 Angry Chickz The chicken joint offers chicken sandwiches, sliders, tenders and bowls filled with rice, macaroni and cheese, french fries, slaw or pickles. • Opening early 2025 • 18207 Egret Bay Blvd., Webster • www.angrychickz.com

Now open

• 9415 Broadway St., Pearland • www.jejuislandpearland.com

18 D1 Training Friendswood The group fitness facility employs a sports training regimen led by certified trainers and is marketed for both youth and adult athletes. It offers four age-based programs. • Opening Oct. 21

In the news

10 Lindo Mar Bar & Grill The restaurant serves seafood, American and Mexican cuisine. Items include tilapia, burritos, birria plates, wings, calamari, salads and oysters. • Opened Oct. 21

15 Kolache Shoppe The Texas chain bakery shop’s Pearland location celebrated its one-year anniversary on Oct. 5. It sells hand-made kolaches of different types, breakfast items and coffee, among other items. • 11940 Broadway St., Ste. 170, Pearland • www.kolacheshoppe.com 16 Iguanas Ranas Pearland With its Pearland location at 2600 Broadway St. officially closed on Oct. 19, the Tex-Mex restaurant plans to relocate to South Grand Boulevard in Pearland “as soon as possible,” officials said. However, a new 17 Pizza Parlor Pearland After planning to close Oct. 31, owners announced they were selling the business and until then, would remain open. The restaurant serves specialty pizzas. • 2810 Business Center Drive, Ste. 128, Pearland • www.pizzaparlortx.com HEB The grocery store chain is launching tap-to-pay services across all its Texas stores, allowing customers opening date is not available. • 2536 S. Grand Blvd., Pearland • www.myiguanasranas.com

• 709 W. Parkwood Ave., Friendswood • www.d1training.com/friendswood

• 6200 Broadway St., Pearland • Facebook: Lindo mar Bar & Grill

11 Dripped Birria The Houston-based restaurant chain serves quesabirria tacos, fried quesadillas, elote, nachos and birria ramen, among other items. It has eight locations across the Greater Houston area. • Opened Sept. 27 • 9821 Broadway St., Ste. 103, Pearland • www.drippedbirria.com

to make quick, contactless payments using digital wallets like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay. The rollout began Oct. 7. • www.heb.com

Coming soon

Closings

12 Andretti Indoor Karting & Games The entertainment venue offers go-karts, ropes courses, laser tag, mini-golf, arcade games and virtual reality gaming at select locations. Currently, the business has nine locations, including five in Texas. • Opening spring 2026

19 Pizza Inn The restaurant served pizzas, including buffalo chicken, bacon cheeseburger and Hawaiian. • Closing Oct. 28 • 6911 FM 521 Road, Arcola • www.pizzainn.com

• 1307 Jasmine Ave., Webster • www.andrettikarting.com

Experienced Home Care You Can Trust…

You and your family deserve the best home care. From a few hours a week to 24/7 care, we tailor a personalized care plan to fit your lifestyle.

pearlandhomecare.com (281) 557-4357

• Companion care • Light housekeeping

• Memory care

• Errands, shopping • Hygiene & personal care • Cooking, meals & more

PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD EDITION

Government

Friendswood considers new facilities to meet growing community needs

Diving in deeper

The Friendswood Public Library The building is 45 years old with nearly 22,000 square feet. It was last renovated in 2017 and before that expanded in 1996. The building lacks needed space, while the roof and electrical equipment have several issues, according to city documents. 8,060 -square-foot addition being proposed to meet growing administrative needs The Friendswood Activity Building The building is more than 50 years old with about 10,000 total square feet, according to city documents. It has capacity for about 25% of the current programming needs for the Parks & Recreation Department. Several of the building’s systems, including its HVAC, have exceeded their service life, documents show. The proposed plan calls for a new building with features such as:

Friendswood city officials at City Council’s Oct. 7 meeting discussed the possibility of expanding the Friendswood Public Library and building a new community center to better serve a growing and changing community. At the meeting, City Council heard from Ryan Bass, an architect from PGAL Inc., which is a Houston- based architectural firm. Bass gave a presentation outlining potential upgrades for the library and constructing a new community center next door to the library, according to agenda documents. The plan for the library calls for expanding it to accommodate growing administrative needs, as well as to meet growing demand from the community, according to the presentation. Meanwhile, the community center would help meet more programming needs for the city’s Parks & Recreation Department.

New community center land Friendswood Public Library expansion

Friendswood Activity Building

Friendswood Public Library

2.8 acres of land

63,839 square feet

3 stories

SOURCES: CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD, PGAL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

BY RACHEL LELAND

Community center cost Option 1 Complete buildout of the primary partner space on third floor, while secondary partner space on third floor has a shell for future buildout Total construction cost: $37.8M Soft cost: $6M Design contingency: $1.9M Furniture, fixtures and equipment costs: $1.5M Option 2 Primary and secondary partner spaces on third floor not built out but have shells Total construction cost: $36.4M Soft cost: $5.7M Design contingency: $1.8M Furniture, fixtures and equipment costs: $1.5M Total $45.46M Option 3 Primary partner space on third floor is not built out and remains shell, while secondary partner space is not built at all Total construction cost: $34.54M Soft cost: $5.44M Design contingency: $1.73M Furniture, fixtures and equipment costs: $1.5M Total $43.2M Total $47.2M

The cost

Looking ahead

PGAL pitched several dierent cost options for the community center, documents show. Each option included varying degrees of amenities and space, which all had to do with how much of the third oor the city chooses to build out. Meanwhile, for the library, just one option was given, according to the presentation. The costs given assumed the design for each would be completed in 2025 with construction starting in 2026, according to the presentation. The cost also factors in a 5% increase for each year after 2026. Library cost PGAL presented one option for the library, which is the 8,060-square-foot addition. Total construction cost: $10.7M Soft cost: $2.14M Furniture, fixtures and equipment costs: $500K Design contingency: $535K Total $13.87M

The project is not currently funded beyond the design work that PGAL conducted. To fund the full project, it would require working with additional partners and having a bond election, City Manager Morad Kabiri said at the Oct. 7 meeting.

“Big bucks ... it’s a lot of sticker shock there, ... but we know what it costs to build things these days. We all would love to see

this get done.” MIKE FOREMAN, MAYOR OF FRIENDSWOOD

SOURCES: CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD, PGAL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Government

BY JAMES T. NORMAN

Manvel City Council to vote on 6.3% water rate increase

Old resident bill Water in gallons 2K ($32.59 base)

New resident bill Water in gallons 2K ($34.65 base)

Manvel residents could see a slight increase on their utility bills if City Council votes to approve a 6.3% increase for water rates at its Nov. 18 meeting. The ordinance received its first of two approvals on Oct. 21. The second vote was originally scheduled for Nov. 4 but was tabled. Officials weren’t able to clarify by press time when the change could be reflected on residents’ bills if approved Nov. 18. What residents need to know The average resident will see an uptick on their bill of around $9.99 per month, Manvel Finance Director Rosa Donaire said at the meeting. The water base includes up to 2,000 gallons, while additional volume is the cost for every 1,000 gallons past the 2,000 gallon base, accord- ing to city documents. These changes are expected to bring in around $136,000 in additional funding to the city annu- ally, Donaire said. City documents state the raise is needed to

$32.59 $26.72

$34.65 $30.32

8K additional ($3.34 per 1K gallons)

8K additional ($3.79 per 1K gallons)

Wastewater in gallons 2K ($39.11 base)

Wastewater in gallons 2K ($41.48 base)

$39.11 $3.34

$41.48

1K additional ($3.34 per 1K gallons)

1K additional ($3.79 per 1K gallons)

$3.79

Total bill:

$101.76

$110.24

NOTE: BILLS ARE BASED ON A TYPICAL USAGE OF 10,000 GALLONS OF WATER A MONTH WITH AN AVERAGE WASTEWATER USAGE OF 3,000 GALLONS.

SOURCE: CITY OF MANVEL/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

keep up with the city’s growing population and will go toward infrastructure, utility projects and more city employees. Prior to this year, the city passed rate increases of 13.4% and 14.9% in each of the past two years, City Manager Dan Johnson said. The city in recent years has been “very far behind” in utility rates, he said, prompting officials to have to subsidize Manvel’s utility fund.

Quote of note Mayor Dan Davis said Nov. 5 he is encouraging residents to share their thoughts on the potential rate increase. The original vote on Oct. 21 saw two officials, including Davis, vote against it. “Our mission is to balance fiscal responsibility, keep the cost of living low while maintaining the quality of essential services for all residents,” he said.

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

Sean Murphy, Senior Vice President, Loan Officer and Branch Manager Sean Murphy, Senior Vice President, Loan Officer and Branch Manager

PURCHASE TICKETS

*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

Studio Address: 12004 Shadow Creek Pkwy. #110 Pearland, TX 77584

OOOOO Five-Star “Superior” rating by BauerFinancial, Inc., awarded September, 2022 OOOOO 2651 Pearland Parkway • (281) 412-8000 • www.HomeTown.Bank OOOOO Five-Star “Superior” rating by BauerFinancial, Inc., awarded September, 2022 OOOOO 2651 Pearland Parkway • (281) 412-8000 • www.HomeTown.Bank 2651 Pearland Parkway • (281) 412-8000 • www.HomeTown.Bank OOOOO Five-Star “Superior” rating by BauerFinancial, Inc., awarded September, 2022 OOOOO 2651 Pearland Parkway • (281) 412-8000 • www.HomeTown.Bank

WWW.COOMERBALLET.COM

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY RACHEL LELAND & JAMES T. NORMAN

Brazoria County OKs $1.2M to create sheriff’s office plan Brazoria County commissioners at an Oct. 22 meeting awarded a $1.2 million contract using federal funds to a technical services firm that will develop a master plan for the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office. What readers need to know The plan, which will be developed by AECOM Technical Services Inc., will carry the department into the next 30 years and encompass a guide and a needs assessment for the department’s facilities, operations and services, according to county documents. Currently, the department has nine buildings totaling almost 291,000 square feet, 400 employees and a detention center with a capacity of 1,153 inmates, documents show.

Pearland seeks input for Old Town revitalization Pearland officials held the first in-person open house to gather feedback on a plan to revitalize the city’s historic Old Town on Oct 2. The event comes a month after the city launched a survey to collect feedback from residents on the potential plan, which will be developed over the next nine months. The gist Director of Community Development Vance Wyly said open house attendees had voiced a desire for more cultural arts programming and entertainment venues, such as a barbecue cook-off on Grand Boulevard or having the city partner with the local Montessori school to host plays and theater performances. Wyly added residents had also asked for more boutique-style shopping and family-friendly venues, among other attractions.

W. ORANGE ST.

Old Townsite boundaries

W. WALNUT ST.

Looking ahead The city will host a second public open house in March at a location that has not yet been determined. Residents will also be able to share their thoughts with city planners at the following pop-up events

throughout the remainder of the year: • Nov. 16: Old Pearland Farmer’s Market • Dec. 6: Hometown Christmas Festival • Dec. 7: Hometown Christmas Parade

Having someone in your corner when you’re sick is vital to your health and recovery. That’s why it’s important to not just have, but regularly see, a primary care clinician. Here to keep you and your family healthy

UTMB Health primary care clinicians are there for you when you’re sick and work to keep you healthy throughout every stage of your life .

Call our 24/7 Access Services team at (800) 917-8906 , visit our website at utmbhealth.com/primary-care , or scan the QR code to find a primary care clinician and schedule your next appointment.

knows Primary Care

The University of Texas Medical Branch is in-network for most major insurance plans.

PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD EDITION

Education

BY HALEY VELASCO

PISD revamps cellphone policy, FISD considers more restrictive policy

What else?

Lance Cain, managing attorney for the Associa- tion of Texas Professional Educators, or ATPE, said while teachers haven’t filed any claims with ATPE in regard to cellphone policies or misconduct, he said he believes cellphones in the classroom have become more difficult for teachers to navigate. A November 2023 study from Pew Research Center showed the percentage of teachers from all grade levels nationwide who found cellphone policies hard to enforce.

Friendswood ISD and Pearland ISD have had similar cellphone policies for several years, but PISD recently tweaked its policy and FISD is considering a stricter one, officials with each districts said. For both FISD and PISD, cellphone use is prohibited during the instructional day unless they’re permitted to use by the teacher, officials said. Kim Cole, FISD’s assistant superintendent of secondary teaching and learning, said the district is focusing on strict enforcement of its cellphone policy this school year. Other practices include staff surveys and visiting different Texas districts to see other policies in action. Currently, cellphones are confiscated about three to five times a week at FISD, Cole said. “We have focused on consistent implementation this school year,” Cole said. “We have done this with increased student and parent communication regarding the purpose of the policy, creating a campus culture that values instructional time with staff and students, and administrative focus on cellphone distractions during classroom walkthroughs.” For PISD, officials updated the cellphone policy this year to a three-time system in which the third time a cellphone is confiscated, a $15 fine is required to get the phone back, according to the 2024-25 PISD student handbook. Deputy Superintendent Kelly Holt said this has resulted in less phone being confiscated this school year.

Friendswood ISD and Pearland ISD do not allow cellphones to be used during the instructional day, unless permitted by a teacher.

Friendswood ISD’s 2024-25 cellphone policy

Once a cellphone is confiscated, the teacher will turn the phone into the school principal’s office. The principal will determine whether to: • Return it to the student at the end of the school day • Contact the student’s parents to pick up the device at the end of the day

Elementary school

12%

Middle school

30%

High school

60%

All grades who have a cellphone policy

30%

Pearland ISD’s 2024-25 cellphone policy

SOURCE: PEW RESEARCH CENTER/COMMUNITY IMPACT

PISD uses a three-time system, in which the following consequences occur after the number of times a student gets their phone confiscated: The cellphone is taken to the front office by the teacher, and the student is allowed to pick it up at the end of the day. 1st confiscation The cellphone is taken to the front office by the teacher, and the student’s parent is required to pick it up at the end of the day. The cellphone is taken to the front office by the teacher, and the student’s parent is required to pick it up and pay a $15 fine. 3rd confiscation 2nd confiscation

What’s next

While PISD is not currently changing its cellphone policy, FISD is reviewing its policy to see if the district will need to be more restrictive, Cole said. Cole said FISD conducted a staff survey in September and will have another survey in December looking at how consistently the policy is implemented and if there are any barriers within it. “We are gathering data on the effectiveness of the implementation of our current policy [through] our administrative classroom walkthroughs,” Cole said.

SOURCES: FRIENDSWOOD ISD, PEARLAND ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

“This is my purpose in life.” ~ Alice, Caregiver

Visit www.alzcottages.com/stories to read more.

Facility No’s 010237, 010241 & 105485 Memory Care AT CLEAR LAKE

400 Landing Boulevard . League City, Texas 77573 . 281.316.4281

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY HALEY VELASCO

School districts receive ‘A’ score financial rating Alvin, Friendswood and Pearland ISDs each received an “A” rating from the state of Texas through its financial rating system, or FIRST. It’s the highest rating available to school districts, according to the Texas Education Agency. Across Texas, 86% of districts scored an “A.” 10 8 6 4 2 0 Alvin, Friendswood, Pearland ISD's financial ratings

Alvin ISD adopts new improvement plan Increasing attendance rates, math scores on state tests, teacher retention rates and maintaining a superior financial rating are some of the goals included in Alvin ISD’s 2024-25 district improvement plan. The plan was approved at the AISD board of trustees Oct. 8 meeting. The gist Section 11.253 of the Texas Education Code requires school districts to create an improvement plan and set performance objectives based on data from the Texas Academic Performance Report, or TAPR. AISD had five goals revolving around teaching, safety and finance with a handful of performance objectives within each goal, district documents show.

The overview FIRST is issued by the TEA and ensures “that Texas public schools are financially accountable and [use] their resources effectively to provide quality education,” according to a presentation from PISD. Out of a possible 100 points, the school districts received the following scores: • Alvin ISD: 96 • Friendswood ISD: 92 • Pearland ISD: 94

Alvin ISD

Friendswood ISD

Pearland ISD

Number of days of cash on hand

Assets against liabilities

Revenue against expenditures

Long-term solvency

Debt against property value

Administrative cost ratio

No 15% decline in students to staff ratio

External audit results

NOTE: EACH DISTRICT ALSO RECEIVED A 5/5 FOR POSTING ITS FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS ONLINE. EACH ALSO RECEIVED 15 POINTS DUE TO SOME INDICATORS NOT BEING SCORED.

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Pearland ISD trustees approve 8 personnel positions To help meet increased needs in bus ridership, electronic device support and increased special education enrollment, Pearland ISD’s board of trustees approved eight additional personnel positions at its Oct. 8 meeting. What’s happening? due to inactivated positions. As a result, the budget impact in the district’s

Pearland ISD's additional personnel positions

One aide for the preschool program for children with disabilities: $31,330 One aide for Pearland’s Essential and Academic Readiness Skills: $31,330 One BSI teacher: $74,321 One technical support supervisor: $74,722 Three behavior support intervention, or BSI, aides: $88,689

general funds for these additional positions is just over $296,000, according to district documents. Remember this? Since June, the PISD board of trustees have now approved 16 additional personnel positions.

While the total cost for the positions would be over $330,000, the district is saving over $35,000

One 6-hour bus driver: $30,954

SOURCE: PEARLAND ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD EDITION

Development

BY JAMES T. NORMAN

Friendswood approves bonds worth $36.9M for city center projects

New business park coming to Pearland

Valencia community in Manvel celebrates grand opening Hillwood Communities is celebrating the grand opening of Valencia, a 440-acre master-planned community in Manvel. The full story The community has homes ranging from $300,000 to $700,000, according to a fact sheet from Hillwood. It will have 940 homes when completely built out and oer ame- nities such as an innity edge pool, trails, a clubhouse, an event lawn and playground. It’s one of several projects in the area that is catering to a growing population both in and around Manvel, Community Impact previously reported. It will also feed into Alvin ISD and includes a new elementary school.

The cost

Business park Buildings

At City Council’s Oct. 7 meeting, ocials laid out a series of projects broken into “initial public improvements” and “additional im- provements.” City documents show the nearly $37 million in bonds will go toward initial improvements. Ocials said Nov. 5 there will be a second round of bonds issued two years from now for additional major improvements.

MCHARD RD.

Work has begun in Pearland on a new business park that will total more than 200,000 square feet of oce, warehouse and manufacturing space. What you need to know Stewart Development, based out of Houston, is developing the site near the Hwy. 35 corridor in Pearland, according to an Oct. 8 news release from the Pearland Economic Development Corporation, or PEDC. The project, titled The Edge Industrial Park, will span 36 acres and consist of nine buildings. It is part of the redevelopment plan for the corridor, which ocials hope will spur more investment in the area, according to the release. How we got here The PEDC began working with Stewart in 2023, according to the release. The PEDC and the city

Friendswood City Council approved $36.9 million in bonds for infrastructure projects related to the Friendswood City Center at its Nov. 4 meeting. City ocials said previously that the bonds, as well as a number of other technical resolutions approved at the November meeting, were needed to help keep the city center development on schedule as developers begin to build vertically. The Friendswood City Center is a key development for the city that will bring a mixture of retail, restaurants and businesses to town. The development broke ground in April but had a long history of prior discussions and approvals. The site of the project has long been a

BLACKHAWK BLVD.

528

DETENTION POND

Project funds: $25.6 million Interest, fees and other funds: $11.3 million

Friendswood City Center

SOURCE: CITY OF PEARLAND COMMUNITY IMPACT

CLEAR CREEK

Documents show the city is expected to carry out initial and additional projects such as: • A ire station • Roadways • Earthwork, paving and grading • Clearing, grubbing and demolition • Detention work • Water and wastewater • Drainage • Landscaping, parks and amenities

of Pearland entered into a development agree- ment in March. As part of that, the PEDC agreed to help with infrastructure, according to the release. Stay tuned The plan is to have the park done in the second quarter of 2025, according to the release.

challenge for the city to develop, Community Impact previously reported. Lack of infrastructure and competing with nearby Baybrook Mall, among other factors, have deterred developers.

SOURCE: CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD COMMUNITY IMPACT

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

Pearland tackling streets eroded by drought From the cover

In the past six months, the Pearland streets division prioritized roads rated as “poor” or “very poor,” such as Garden Road and Fite Road. The division focused on asphalt roads, which are easier to repair than concrete roads, officials said. A snapshot of Pearland roads

What’s being done

Key

Excellent to very good

Good

Fair

Marginal

Poor to very poor

In Pearland, 82% of the city’s road miles have a condition of “good” or better, compared to 89% across the state of Texas, according to a report detailing streets through fiscal years 2020-2023 from the Texas Department of Transportation’s pavement management information system. Despite this, data from Infrastructure Management Services, which carried out Pearland’s study, scored the state’s average lower than Pearland, with a PCI of 68, according to city documents. Pearland Right of Way Superintendent Dante Prescod said city officials hope to improve its score by repairing the roads that are most damaged first. Historically, the city has published its PCI scores every five to seven years, Pearland Communications Director Josh Lee said. This year, the city launched on its website a public-facing interactive PCI platform that is updated more frequently to capture the city’s progress on road repairs, Lee said. “This now can be a living document … which I think is a really powerful thing,” Lee said. Ideally, the map will get updated every couple of weeks to reflect new projects, Prescod said.

Three months ago

Now

M C H A R D

HUGHES RANCH RD.

AUSTIN AVE.

O L

B A I L E Y R D .

Upcoming projects Of the seven street projects Pearland will work on over the next six months, about 20% were flagged as in “poor” or “very poor” condition.

Poor: 10% Very poor: 10% Other: 80%

SOURCE: CITY OF PEARLAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Some of the different pavement issues Pearland deals with include: Types of pavement defects

The conditions

Lorenzo Wingate, director of engineering and public works for Pearland, said he felt the majority street issues came from severe weather conditions. “We went through severe drought ... two years in a row,” Wingate said. “That really takes a toll on the roadway conditions.” Heavy traffic as well as water seeping into the roads or a lack of moisture entirely can cause the ground underneath the road to separate, creating cracks in an asphalt road, which tend to wear down faster than concrete, Wingate said. More than 200 miles of Pearland’s streets are asphalt, which is a greater number and proportion than several nearby cities, according to Pearland’s June 2024 Capital Improvement Project update.

Cracking that runs parallel to the pavement’s center, which could allow moisture inside and indicate an onset of structural failure. Longitudinal cracking

Aligator cracking

These are interconnected cracks caused by fatigue to the asphalt due to repeated heavy traffic.

Potholes

A section of pavement that has been replaced with new material to repair the existing surface. A patch is considered a defect, regardless of performance. Patching

A small, bowl-shaped depressions in the pavement surface that penetrate through the asphalt layer down to the base.

Breakdown of Pearland's streets Concrete

Asphalt 18.8%

81.2%

Where public works is paving in the next six months Concrete Asphalt 98.7% 1.3%

SOURCE: CITY OF PEARLAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY RACHEL LELAND

Project funding

Looking ahead

City comparisons

City staff recommended Pearland invest $5.97 million annually in street repairs to maintain the city’s current PCI score of 74. Despite this, FY 2024-25’s budget, which was approved Sept. 23, included $4.1 million for streets. In its five-year capital improvement program, Pearland officials provide nonbinding recommen- dations on how much money to fund streets. City staff recommended setting aside $44 mil- lion in 2026 to fund larger thoroughfare projects, such as adding additional lanes to Miller Ranch Road, Wingate said.

Despite Pearland’s total road miles growing by 141 miles since 2014, the city’s small streets division has a staff of nine, according to city documents. The team has only enough manpower to conduct minor repairs such as filling potholes, Wingate said. To help, the city approved five new positions in September. The additional staff will start in April and cost the city $267,193, according to the FY 2024-25 budget. By hiring five additional people, the city hopes to provide more thorough repairs such as crack sealing and preventive maintenance. Otherwise, the city could be on the hook to replace entire roads, coming at a higher cost to taxpayers, according to city documents. It takes a six-person team to patch potholes or do an asphalt repair, Wingate said. For larger projects, such as concrete

Total lane miles

Number of street repair employees

Miles of road per one employee

Baytown

756

Missouri City 600

Pearland 980

109

Sugar Land 1,200

*PEARLAND’S EMPLOYEE TOTAL DOESN’T INCLUDE THE FIVE NEW HIRES, WHO WILL START IN APRIL.

SOURCES: CITIES OF BAYTOWN, PEARLAND, MISSOURI CITY AND SUGAR LAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Funding for major road projects

repair or repairing a few hundred feet of asphalt road at once, the city needs to hire contractors, Wingate said. “Right now, we don’t have the ability or the staffing, and so honestly we don’t have enough equipment to be able to follow [larger projects],” Wingate said.

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028

$33.77M

$14.33M

$10M $20M $30M $40M $50M

Capital improvement funds

NOTE: THIS CHART DOES NOT INCLUDE STREET REPAIR FUNDING.

SOURCE: CITY OF PEARLAND/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD EDITION

Transportation

BY JAMES T. NORMAN

TxDOT nalizes buyback of 10-mile stretch of Hwy. 288 in Harris County

610

develop, design, construct, nance, operate and maintain the SH 288 Toll Lanes Project in Harris County, according to the agency’s website. Terminating the agreement will bring operations of the toll road under the state, according to the Oct. 8 news release. As part of that, TxDOT will assume the responsibility of building out future lanes along Hwy. 288. Tolling policies will not change in the short-term, but ocials expect future rates to be reduced and rise at a slower rate under TxDOT, according to the release. Stay tuned Building out the two free, general-purpose lanes will begin no later than 2030, per the release. The addition will consist of one lane in each direction. Ocials could not conrm by press time what the cost of the project is expected to be.

Drivers heading down Hwy. 288 in Harris County could soon see tolls reduced after the state acquired the toll road, ocials with the Texas Department of Transportation said in an Oct. 8 news release. As part of the buyback, TxDOT ocials said they plan to eventually expand the free part of the highway with two more lanes. What you need to know Ocials conrmed in an Oct. 22 email the agency will take over the section of the highway, which runs from Hwy. 69 to the Harris County/Bra- zoria County line at Clear Creek, from Blueridge Transportation Group. TxDOT announced it terminated the SH 288 Comprehensive Development Agreement, which was signed in 2016 and called for Blueridge to

288

E A R C R E E K

MCHARDRD.

$1.7 billion buyback of Hwy. 288

$4 billion worth of value

Two new free lanes

50% reduction of tolls over next few years

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT IS HERE! PEARLAND BUSINESS RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU FREE — 24/7/365!

Scan to become a member and gain access to our FREE business resources and events!

COMMUNITY EVENTS LEARNING LIBRARY

GRANT DATABASE 1:1 ADVISING

PearlandInnovationHub.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY JAMES T. NORMAN & HALEY VELASCO

Pearland ISD approves land sale Pearland ISD on Oct. 8 agreed to sell a portion of the property at Sam Jamison Middle School to the Texas Department of Transportation for $117,900 as part of the FM 518 expansion project. The overview TxDOT identified a section of land along Broadway Street on the south side of Sam Jamison that is needed to accom- modate road widening and infrastructure improvements, according to district agenda documents. The sale will have a minimal impact on school operations. The FM 518 project will include expand- ing the road from four lanes and a center turn-lane to three lanes going north and south bound each, along with turn lanes, according to TxDOT documents.

Manvel approves road work agreement with Brazoria County Manvel City Council approved an agreement with Brazoria County to carry out work on four roadways, but the cost, timeline and approval from Brazoria County are still pending. The full story The work, which will total around 10,000 feet of road, will include overlays with new paving on each road, according to city documents. The agreement calls for the county to provide labor and equipment for the project, while the city will pay for the material needed, according to the

Manvel

BULLARD PKWY.

mentioned the county helping out with labor and equipment should help save taxpayers money. “It’s a great way for those that live in the city lim- its to put their county tax dollars to work,” he said. If the item is approved by the Brazoria County Commissioners Court at a later date, it should give a better sense of both the start date and cost. This road work comes a few months after Brazo- ria County began work on four other roads within Manvel, Community Impact previously reported.

agreement. What else?

Mayor Dan Davis said Oct. 22 that neither the timeline nor the cost are known at this point but

$629,700 The Omaha 1758 Spring View Friendswood, TX 77546 2,571 sq. ft., 1 Story, 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths, 2-car Garage

$495,000 The Finley 10011 Starry Night Lane Manvel, TX 77578 2,929 sq. ft., 1 Story, 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths, 1 Half Bath, 2-car Garage

$392,990 The Brecken 5910 Cottontail Lane Manvel, TX 77578 2,146 sq. ft., 1 Story, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, 2-car Garage

$395,000 The Woodworth 6018 Cottontail Lane Manvel, TX 77578 2,229 sq. ft., 1 Story, 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths, 2-car Garage

PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD EDITION

Real estate

Fewer homes sold in the Pearland-Friendswood area in September compared to the same month last year. Housing prices stayed relatively stable. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

September 2023

September 2024

+45.7%

-19.30%

-34.29%

-28.44%

-6.67%

77546

77578

77581

77583

77584

77581

521

518

77584

77583 77578

Median home sales price

September

2023

2024

77546

288

$425,500 $470,000 $343,000 $324,990 $358,977

$432,500 $466,797 $379,000 $350,902 $368,145

77546

77578

Homes sold by price point

77581

September 2024

77583

77584

More than $800,000

$600,000 to $799,999

103

$400,000 to $599,999

Average days on the market

+131.3%

+61.54%

+37.5%

-6.98%

-32.26%

135

$200,000 to $399,999

Less than $200,000

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY ALINA ROGERS SPARROW REALTY • 281-961-2944 ALINAWROGERS@YAHOO.COM

77546

77578

77581

77583

77584

scams and fraud including:

TEXTING SCAMS, can ap requesting personal info suspicious links.

STAY SCAM FREE IN HARRIS COUNTY Visit our website at ScamFreeHC.com to learn more about how to spot and report scams and fraud including:

DEED SCHEMES, which often involve unsolicited offers confusing documents that mislead homeowners.

TEXTING SCAMS, can appear as unexpected messages requesting personal information or containing suspicious links. HOME REPAIR FRAUD, including contractors who demand full payment upfront but may not follow through on repairs.

DEED SCHEMES, which often involve unsolicited offers confusing documents that mislead homeowners. Visit our website at ScamFreeHC.com to learn more about how to spot and report scams and fraud including: Visit our website at ScamFreeHC.com to learn more about how to spot and report scams and fraud including: DEED SCHEMES, which often involve unsolicited offers confusing documents that mislead homeowners. TEXTING SCAMS, can appear as unexpected messages requesting personal information or containing suspicious links. HOME REPAIR FRAUD, including contractors who demand full payment upfront but may not follow through on repairs. STAY SCAM FREE IN HARRIS COUNTY

Where INTENTIONAL care matters All-inclusive Rates Fully Furnished Rooms

Come Visit us!

ScamFreeHC.com

FID# 111611 - 111612

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14-15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28

communityimpact.com