Friendswood may not be Re-Developed

Posted at Houston Chronicle
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle

The development of Friendswood's downtrodden downtown area and improving parks are hot topics among the two people running for City Council's Position 2 seat in the city's May 10 election.

The race pits Jim Barr against Brett A. Nichols for a three-year term to succeed outgoing first-term Councilman John LeCour, who did not seek re-election.

Barr, 46, a ticket broker, has lived in Friendswood since 1996.

"I want to see a change in our city government," Barr said. "I want to see a more streamlined effort. I want to see a cooperative effort between city staff and the developers."

Nichols, 49, a real estate broker, is a five-year Friendswood resident.

"I felt this is my obligation," Nichols said. "When I can contribute and help, I'm a volunteer. That's what I do."

Barr's and Nichols' emphasis on stimulating Friendswood's downtown area is not a new idea.

Previous efforts by the city have largely been unsuccessful.

In February, attorney Tony Buzbee said he would abandon his downtown development project, which drew... Continue Reading