Friendswood EDC reviews lighting, public-art boxes and business changes; six illumination easements still pending

At the same Sept. 9 meeting, Friendswood Downtown Economic Development Corporation staff reported progress on downtown public-works and placemaking projects.

Stephen told the board that Pfeifer and Sons completed a substantial completion walk on the illumination project that morning; all installed lights are operational though a minor punch list remains. "All the lights that are installed are operational," he said, but added that six locations still lack recorded easement agreements and staff is working to identify property ownership so the contractor can finish ground work.

Stephen also reported that all electrical boxes in the Keep Friendswood Beautiful artwork program have been painted and clear-coated, that parks staff completed walkthroughs and that the project closeout is forthcoming. He said the program has already spurred interest from other neighborhoods about similar murals. "They're all gorgeous if you haven't had a chance to go look at them," he told the board.

In a brief economic update, staff said Gemini Urgent Care replaced the previous urgent-care tenant at FM 518 and Whispering Pines, and House of Lanterns, a spa, has occupied an existing space on Renswood. Stephen noted recent expenditures for the art boxes and lighting work are reflected in the monthly financial reports and presented the August financials: an ending fund balance for the month of just over $2.8 million with an unencumbered balance of $2,783,916.

Board members asked staff to continue pursuing the outstanding easements and to provide regular updates as the punch list items are closed. The board confirmed its next regular meeting is Oct. 14 at 4 p.m., with a police safety update expected if available.