Friendswood council approves Falling Leaf Ranch TIR/PID package after contested debate

The Friendswood City Council on March 3 authorized a package of actions to advance the Falling Leaf Ranch development, including agreements to hire an administrator, accept a Public Improvement District petition and a development agreement tied to Reinvestment Zone No. 2.

The measures approved by council included (1) a Professional Services Payment Agreement requiring the developer to escrow $50,000 for city consultant costs; (2) an administration services agreement with P3 Works LLC; (3) a resolution accepting a PID petition and calling a public hearing on April 7; and (4) a development agreement with J and K 5 Falling Leaf LLC that the council authorized after debate. Two council members voted against final approval; other PID-related administrative items passed unanimously.

The development package drew multiple speakers during public comment and extensive council discussion. Catherine Hale, a Wilderness Trails resident, asked the council to delay action and said the 679-page packet was posted after 5 p.m. on the day of the meeting, leaving homeowners insufficient time to review notices and materials. Randy Hale, also of Wilderness Trails, said he was not opposed to development but urged council not to adopt actions that could obligate future city tax dollars without fuller public input.

Developer and industry…