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Friendswood Council ratifies eminent domain resolution for Lake Friendswood Park; approves sign-code changes and budget amendment
Summary
The council unanimously ratified a resolution authorizing eminent domain to acquire 5.452 acres for Lake Friendswood Park expansion, approved sign-code amendments permitting limited billboard conversions to electronic signs, and passed Budget Amendment Five during the March 2 meeting.
The Friendswood City Council on March 2 ratified Resolution No. 2025-35 authorizing the use of eminent domain to acquire a 5.452452-acre tract adjacent to the southeast portion of Lake Friendswood for park expansion.
Mayor Blake Harris said the issue has a multi-decade history and that the city has made several offers in the six-figure range; he said negotiations were at an impasse with the owner seeking roughly $5 million while the city’s valuation was substantially lower. "We never use eminent domain" lightly, the mayor said, noting the council’s preference to resolve the matter but saying the step was intended to finalize the long-running effort. The council voted 7–0 to ratify the resolution.
On other business the council approved on second and final reading an ordinance amending the city sign code to update requirements for changeable electronic variable message signs (CEVMS) and to allow conversion of up to two billboards to CEVMS if specified requirements are met; the vote was unanimous.
Council members also approved Budget Amendment Five for fiscal year 2025–2026, providing supplemental appropriations and transfers as presented. The consent agenda carried and the council adjourned.
All formal motions and ordinances cited were adopted by unanimous votes recorded during the meeting.
