GMK 5 seeks approval for complex 44-lot development in Friendswood

The Friendswood Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on June 12, 2025, focused on a significant development project on a 117-acre site formerly owned by Exxon. The developer, GMK 5, has been working on this property for about three years and is seeking approval for a subdivision that includes 44 two-acre tracts.

The project presents several engineering and environmental challenges. City staff and the engineering firm have identified key issues that must be addressed to meet environmental requirements and Friendswood's design criteria. The complexity of the project is heightened by the need to phase construction and secure financing, which the developer emphasized is critical for moving forward.

In addition to the residential development, GMK 5 plans to dedicate a 7-acre tract of land to the city and construct Brentwood Parkway Boulevard as part of a larger development plan. This includes a 170-acre tract and a bioscience corridor that will extend from Highway 528 to the edge of the property.

The site has a history of environmental concerns, including the presence of chloride from oil exploration and 22 dry wells, which have imposed restrictions on development. The developer has engaged Laughlin Environmental to manage the cleanup and mitigation efforts. They are also in contact with pipeline companies to address the presence of three gas pipelines on the site.

The commission's approval is crucial for the developer to secure the necessary financing and proceed with the project, which aims to revitalize the area while adhering to environmental standards. The outcome of this meeting will significantly impact the future of the property and the surrounding community.