Friendswood City Council held a work session at its July 13 meeting to discuss possible beautification efforts to City Hall, Fire Station No. 1 and Stevenson Park in the downtown district.

A city ordinance requires at least 15 feet of parkway adjacent to the street in the downtown district, officials said. The ordinance calls for at least 8 feet of brick-paved sidewalk, 7 feet of landscape that includes a minimum of two lights and two benches per lot and a tree every 25 feet of the district.

Alternative sidewalk designs may be approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission if they are at least 6 feet wide and deemed “equal or enhanced” compared to the ordinance’s standards.

Cost estimates for different combinations of pavers, benches, lights and trees to meet ordinance requirements for City Hall, Fire Station No. 1 and Stevenson Park were presented to council.

Mayor Kevin Holland hopes installing the improvements in front of city buildings would prompt others in the downtown district to follow suit.

“I don’t think it’s realistic to lead in this venture and expect the rest of downtown to do it if we don’t at least do the benches, pavers and lights,” he said.

Meetings

Pearland City Council The next City Council regular meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 10. 3519 Liberty Drive, Pearland

Friendswood City Council The next City Council regular meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 3. 910 S. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood