A request to rezone residential property for downtown district use sparked opposition from neighboring homeowners at Wednesday’s Friendswood Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, highlighting ongoing tensions as the city works to implement its 15-year-old downtown development vision.
The commission voted to recommend approval of rezoning 2.29 acres at 311 Laurel from multi-family residential to downtown district designation, despite objections from adjacent property owners who raised concerns about property values, construction impacts, and quality of life issues.
“We have lived in our home for 18 years, and being the only single dwelling beside the downtown district will diminish my ability to sell,” said Tracine Poti, who lives on Willowick Avenue. “We are extremely against this proposed change.”
Poti questioned why another commercial development was needed when existing projects nearby remain incomplete and vacant lots owned by the same developer sit undeveloped. She also raised concerns about construction impacts, citing previous issues with power outages, water line disruptions, and property damage from nearby projects.
Richard Wolf, another resident, argued that the commission lacked sufficient information about the intended use of the property, parking plans, walkways, and drainage considerations to make an informed decision.
“Without any information, I do not understand how the zoning board can approve this change,” Wolf said. “If there is information, then share it with the public.”
Commission members explained that their role was limited to evaluating whether the rezoning request aligned with existing city codes and long-term planning goals. The Downtown District boundary was established in 2008 with the intention of eventually transitioning all properties within it to Downtown District zoning.
“We’re here to interpret the rules and regulations of the city,” said Commissioner Rives. “Whatever we feel personally shouldn’t come into play.”
Commissioners noted that specific concerns about drainage, parking, and construction impacts would be addressed during subsequent development stages requiring site plan approval and compliance with city codes.
“Transitioning it to Downtown District will alleviate a lot of your concerns once the plat comes out,” said Commissioner Travis Mann. “The parking, drainage district – all those things still have to comply, and certainly no property damage to anybody else’s property is being voted on or authorized.”
The recommendation will next go before the City Council at its February 3rd meeting for final consideration.
Commissioners emphasized that the Downtown District zoning includes restrictions designed to maintain a pedestrian-friendly, walkable environment while accommodating commercial development. Property owners must still comply with all city codes and ordinances, as well as drainage district requirements, before any development can proceed.
