No Concrete Development On Galveston Beaches

With limited space, there is tremendous pressure in Galveston for waterfront infrastructure construction. The developer of a proposed $100 million project plans to build a new condominium on the beach. In support of this development, the City Council voted to change an existing rule prohibiting the use of reinforced concrete within 200 feet of the vegetation line.

Waterfront development this close to the vegetation line threatens beach and dune access for all of Galveston. Unrestricted construction undermines protections of public beach access, encourages erosion, fails to prevent flooding, and increases public expenditures on storm damage.

The condominium will have ten stories and 63 units. About thirty percent of the proposed development exists within 200 feet of the vegetation line. If destroyed by a hurricane, the reinforced concrete structures would create a tremendous amount of debris.

The General Land Office has the final say on the matter and will approve or decline the ordinance passed by the City Council. If passed, development of the condominium will be allowed to commence, and further construction projects may follow.