In a move aimed at catalyzing development on the west side of FM528 at Friendswood Parkway, the Friendswood City Council voted on Monday night to establish a second Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ).
The council’s decision, passing with a 5-2 vote, seeks to address longstanding infrastructure deficits that have stymied multiple development efforts in the area.
The newly established TIRZ is intended to leverage property tax revenue to finance essential infrastructure projects, such as storm sewers, water mains, a lift station, and an extension of Friendswood Parkway.
Similar in concept to a Municipal Utility District (MUD), the TIRZ will impact only the properties within its defined boundaries. However, the TIRZ offers greater flexibility in the types of projects it can finance compared to a MUD, providing a broader scope for addressing the area’s development needs.
Council members Brent Erenwert and John Ellisor cast the dissenting votes, reflecting a division within the community. Some residents from the adjacent Wilderness Trails neighborhood voiced concerns during the meeting, particularly about the planned extension of Friendswood Parkway, which is expected to accommodate the anticipated influx of development. These residents fear the extension could disrupt the neighborhood’s tranquility.
Proponents of the TIRZ argue that infrastructure investment is necessary to unlock the area’s potential for commercial and residential development, which in turn is expected to boost the local economy. The lack of infrastructure has been a significant barrier, leaving the area underdeveloped despite various efforts over the years by developers and retailers like Walmart and Kroger.
The TIRZ will use the incremental increase in property tax revenue resulting from increased property values within the zone to fund the infrastructure projects. This mechanism ensures that the development costs are borne by the properties that benefit directly from the improvements.
Despite the controversy and differing opinions, establishing the TIRZ marks a significant step forward in the 35-year-old plan to build a new thoroughfare connecting Pearland and League City via Friendswood Parkway. The plan aims to alleviate traffic congestion through Friendswood, enhancing connectivity and easing local commutes.
