Friendswood City Council approves disannexation of 130 acres along FM 528

During the Friendswood City Council meeting held on March 3, 2025, significant discussions centered around the proposed disannexation of approximately 130 acres along FM 528, as well as the establishment of a Public Improvement District (PID) for the Falling Leaf Ranch development. The meeting highlighted the city's ongoing efforts to manage land use and infrastructure development effectively.

The public hearing commenced with a focus on the disannexation of the aforementioned property, which is currently privately owned and largely undeveloped. The council discussed the implications of this disannexation, particularly in relation to a potential boundary swap with League City. This swap would allow League City to annex the property while Friendswood would relinquish its claim to ad valorem taxes from the Avalon development, which had previously been a point of contention. The council unanimously approved the disannexation, indicating a strategic move to streamline future development and utility management.

Following this, the council considered an interlocal agreement with League City to formalize the disannexation process. This agreement is expected to alleviate financial burdens associated with extending city utilities to the area, which had been a concern for the council given the costs involved. The decision to proceed with this agreement reflects a broader strategy to enhance collaboration with neighboring municipalities for mutual benefit.

The meeting also addressed the Falling Leaf Ranch development, which encompasses approximately 117 acres. The council authorized a Professional Services Payment Agreement with JMK5 Falling Leaf LLC, allowing the city to recover costs incurred during the development process. This agreement includes provisions for hiring P3 Works, a consulting firm specializing in tax increment reinvestment zones, to ensure that the city's interests are protected throughout the development.

Additionally, the council accepted a petition to create a PID for Falling Leaf Ranch, which will facilitate the financing of necessary infrastructure improvements. This step is crucial for advancing the development while ensuring that the city can impose additional requirements on the developer, particularly concerning environmental safety and infrastructure standards.

In conclusion, the Friendswood City Council's discussions during this meeting reflect a proactive approach to managing land use and infrastructure development. The decisions made regarding disannexation and the establishment of a PID are expected to have lasting impacts on the community, facilitating growth while ensuring that the city's interests and the safety of its residents are prioritized. The council's commitment to transparency and public engagement was evident, as they encouraged community input on future developments.