Staff proposes designating Laurel as a secondary downtown corridor to boost walkability

Aubrey, a staff member for the Friendswood Downtown Economic Development Corporation, urged the board to consider designating Laurel as a secondary downtown corridor to concentrate improvements and improve walkability. Aubrey said the idea came from a Texas Downtown webinar and pointed to active and proposed projects on Laurel — including new storefronts at addresses cited during the meeting — and a plan by developers for shared parking and a 6-foot sidewalk connecting businesses to the school.

The recommendation matters because the board’s spending is limited to properties inside the downtown district boundary; changing that boundary requires a public vote. Aubrey noted the district boundary has been amended once in the past to include a property, but FDEDC funds remain restricted to approved parcels. "We could expand the downtown district," Aubrey said, "and finish sidewalks out to each intersection to make complete, walkable blocks." The board discussed the legal and financial implications and emphasized that any boundary or budget changes would require formal steps.

Members discussed practical ways to phase improvements. Mister Cox, a committee member, said he liked "tactical placemaking" and encouraged starting with smaller districts or pockets that can be made walkable and later connected. Board members identified Laurel as a logical place to pilot festivals, pedestrian events and streetscape features because it has available lots and active development; they said the city and schools have a good working relationship that could help arrange use of adjacent school property for events or parking.

The board asked staff to develop maps and a budget outline for potential Laurel improvements and to revisit previously prioritized project lists so the group could identify next steps and potential grant opportunities. Chair noted the district’s work has freed city dollars for other projects and recommended pursuing grants to supplement district funds.

The board did not take a formal vote on adopting Laurel as a secondary corridor at the special meeting; members asked staff to return with more detailed maps, cost estimates and potential funding options.

The Corporation will next consider the topic when staff returns with the requested materials and possible grant avenues.