The Friendswood Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved site plans Monday for Hardball Academy, a 15,000-square-foot indoor baseball training facility to be located at 2907 West Parkwood Avenue.
The facility, which will include a full-size baseball field behind the building, represents a business relocation that will consolidate multiple locations into one main facility in Friendswood. The project required several modifications from standard requirements, including a reduction in required parking spaces from 105 to 75.
“We’re excited to have a business relocate to Friendswood,” said Aubrey Harbin, Director of Community Development. The facility will be used exclusively for training, with no games planned for the location.
Commissioners expressed concerns about future uses of the property, particularly regarding parking adequacy if the facility’s purpose changes or if games are eventually hosted at the site.
“My real concern is what happens when this facility moves on or they change their overall purpose,” said one Commissioner. “I strongly believe they will not have enough parking if they actually start playing games there.”
The property, located near Lundy Lane and FM 528, falls under the community overlay district requirements. The development will share a single driveway entrance from FM 528 due to Texas Department of Transportation regulations limiting access points along the state highway.
The project was grandfathered under previous tree mitigation requirements, avoiding what could have been approximately $250,000 in fees under current regulations, according to city staff.
