Signs at 2811 Dixie Farm Road in Friendswood suggest there is a retail and residential development coming soon, but county records and plans underway with the Harris County Flood Control District indicate the project may have been abandoned.

The site has been the subject of concern since it began receiving dirt excavated from a nearby drainage basin project in February. The HCFCD later said it was a mistake the use the site because it fell in the 100-year floodplain.

“We’ve been working it constantly. We do have an agreement—a handshake deal with the landowner—that he is willing to negotiate a deal to sell us his property,” said Matt Zeve, director of operations for the flood district.

On June 28, development company Westover LP transferred ownership back to the original owners, listed as James A. and Doris Wood, Harris County deed records show. A commercial real estate site listed the property as “off the market” as of Oct. 30.

John Carlew, a partner with Westover LP, declined to provide an update, and calls left with the current owner were not returned as of press time.

According to Zeve, the land deal has been held up by legal issues, but the flood control district remains optimistic it will be able to make use of the land. Additionally, the land’s sole tenant, Paintball Zone, will have to move.

“Once that is resolved, and the land is vacated, the flood district will be ready to remove the material that was placed,” Zeve said. “After that, the district will coordinate with Harris County Precinct 1 and the city of Friendswood on the appropriate future use.”

The flood district also wants to purchase land behind the site so it can access the entire right of way to Clear Creek. An engineering contract to evaluate the area for detention and other drainage efforts will be on the Harris County Commissioners Court agenda Nov. 13, Zeve said.

“We want to make sure that this property becomes an amenity for the community and provide flood damage reduction benefits,” he said.