During a recent government meeting, community members voiced strong opposition to a proposed expansion of Friendswood Parkway, which would involve opening Castlewood and Applewood streets to increased traffic. Cameron Laird, a resident of 1201 Bayou Oak Drive, expressed concerns about the potential irreversible degradation of the neighborhood's social character and the strain on local police services due to an influx of non-residential traffic. He highlighted the environmental risks, particularly regarding flooding, as the area is already vulnerable during hurricanes.

Laird emphasized that the expansion could overwhelm the existing drainage systems, leading to more frequent flooding and negatively impacting the community's quality of life. His sentiments were echoed by fellow resident Catherine Serrais, who noted that the neighborhood has historically been resilient to flooding but has recently experienced increased water issues. She criticized the idea of introducing through traffic into a primarily residential area, arguing that it would disrupt the community's tranquility and exacerbate flooding risks.

In contrast, another resident, Southenton, supported the expansion, citing the importance of mobility and the need for a hurricane evacuation route. He argued that the connections provided by the parkway would facilitate better traffic flow and enhance safety during emergencies.

The meeting highlighted a significant divide among residents regarding the proposed infrastructure changes, with many fearing the loss of their neighborhood's character and safety, while others see potential benefits in improved connectivity and emergency preparedness. The discussions reflect ongoing tensions between development and community preservation in Friendswood.