Commission approves site plan amendment for 161 Development on South Friendswood Drive

The Planning & Zoning Commission on April 10 approved a site plan amendment for property at 212 and 214 South Friendswood Drive, known in the materials as the 161 Development, to formalize recent and proposed improvements including benches for the downtown district, the future addition of an outdoor patio, six‑foot brick‑paved sidewalks along West Shadow Bend Avenue and new landscaping.

Aubrey Stessinger, planning staff, said the property is zoned downtown district and currently houses Ocean Sushi and Great Harvest Bakery. She said the owners corrected platting errors, have installed new light fixtures tied to the downtown improvement project, and will screen a dumpster and add perimeter trees where possible. The six‑foot brick sidewalk is proposed in addition to the required concrete sidewalk; TxDOT has already installed six‑foot sidewalks in front of the site, staff said.

Brett Bamford of Bamford Properties, the applicant, addressed the commission and said Aubrey’s summary covered the proposal and that he was present to answer questions. Commissioners expressed support for the patio elevation and overall site improvements. Commissioners and the applicant noted that the patio will be permitted separately and constructed by the property owner.

The commission moved, seconded and approved the site plan amendment; the transcript records the motion passed but does not include a roll‑call tally. The file notes potential shared parking with an adjacent future development and that some perimeter trees cannot be placed because of existing site constraints. Staff said additional trees will be placed along the Shadow Bend side to screen mechanical equipment and the sprinkler/fire closet.