Manvel’s thoroughfare plan has undergone significant updates since its initial presentation in October, adjusting road alignments and classifications, according to city documents. 

The details: The thoroughfare plan updates follow the October presentation of Manvel’s first future land use map, which outlines how different areas of the city could develop over the next 10 to 20 years, according to city documents.  

Several residents attended the Jan. 5 Friendswood City Council meeting to oppose a zoning request for roughly 29 acres of land located on the 4700 block of FM 2351. The request is to change the zoning designation from retail and industrial to mixed-use to build a mixed-use development with 391 residential units.

Ultimately, City Council chose to postpone voting on the proposed mixed-use rezoning, citing further analysis needed on noise, traffic impacts and land-use compatibility. 

The details: The Clear Creek Village Planned Unit Development is a mixed-use development comprising commercial, multifamily residential, shared green space and on-site detention, according to city documents. The development will include a proposed 391 residential units, which was a point of contention for nearby residents. 

The local impact: Council member Joseph Matranga noted the differences between industrial noise allowances and residential noise limits, noting that industrial areas can operate at 70 decibels while residential areas require a lower threshold.

Texas charter system Harmony Public Schools launched a new virtual learning platform on Jan. 5 that allows students across the state to take high school courses online.

The overview: The Harmony Online Learning program includes dozens of courses aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards, all of which are self-paced, according to a news release.

More details: Students can choose from dozens of courses in core subjects, electives, Advanced Placement and Career and Technical Education, according to the program’s website. The offerings aim to help students complete credit recovery, get ahead with their requirements and access courses not available at their home campus. Credit earned through Harmony may be applied toward high school graduation requirements depending on local district policies, per the release.

One more thing: Interested families can enroll online, and spring courses begin Jan. 12, per the release. The cost of tuition per course is $325, a spokesperson from Harmony Public Schools told Community Impact.