SUNNY BEACH NEWSLETTER
JANUARY, 2010
Sunny Beach Neighbors: Wow! It’s been a while since the last newsletter! We have passed the anniversary of Ike and now it’s time to get our neighborhood working together for common good.
Next Meeting
Our next neighborhood meeting is 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 13, at Bruce and Anne Billings’ house, 11216 Bernice Drive. Those who want to will go on to dinner at a nearby restaurant afterwards. Officers will be elected, and new volunteers are needed! Anyone interested in a position, please contact Tom Empey at tempey@comcast.net. Let’s develop a plan and a vision for Sunny Beach Neighborhood.
Projects – Past, Present and Future
Sunny Beach Sign After the storm, Tom Empey retrieved “Sunny” on the other side of FM 3005 on 8 Mile Road. A few months later, we found “Beach” in the salt cedars in the horse field. The sign letters were sitting by the posts of the old sign, and someone came by and took “Sunny”! Anne and Bruce Billings reordered the missing letters and found us two new pottery sun faces; Tom Empey got new wood and stain; and, one afternoon last August, Kathe Giebelhaus, Robert Cox, the Billings, and the Empeys rebuilt the sign. It’s nice to have it back. Thank you to those who made it happen!
Issues
Sunny Beach Neighborhood Post-Ike Sunny Beach lost five houses to Hurricane Ike – either taken away entirely by the storm (11205 and 11207 Bernice Drive and 11215 Schwartz Drive) or so badly damaged, they were taken down later (11206 Schwartz Drive and 11222 Bernice Drive). We’re so sorry for the owners of these properties!
Clean-up of Private Property Thirty-five of the remaining houses have been repaired and are looking good. Congratulations! Six more properties still need attention. The status on these, as far as known, is as follows:
11201 Schwartz Drive – notice sent by city; pending hearing
11214 Schwartz Drive – plywood on windows; city said it is “secure”
11201 Bernice Drive – repairs pending permit; may wait for sand-placement project
11213 Bernice Drive – on city buyout list (may be long time before taken down)
11224 Garfield Way – repairs pending
11226 Garfield Way – status unknown
If there are any concerns about other properties, please e-mail temepey@comcast.net.
Beach Sand Renourishment The major sand renourishment project from the end of the Seawall to 13 Mile Road has been pushed back to April 2010. Jerry Mohn sent this in October 2009: “The total CEPRA VI program for all approved projects, with leveraging Federal dollars, is $146 million for the Texas coast. The West End is getting close to $68.7 million, with $46.4 million going for the massive sand nourishment and dune construction project. We are still on track for the project; it will not begin now until probably March or April, but once they do start, the project will be completed.”
Sewers and City Services We will not be getting city sewer services in the near future. This is “on hold” for another five or six years, according to inquiries to the city. Street signs lost in the storm are now back in place. In November the city added new gravel to Bernice Drive and Beard Drive, and a drainage ditch along the eastern boundary of the neighborhood. A roadblock has been put at the east end of Bernice Drive to deter driving on the beach, and a large log blocks traffic from driving or walking on Ron Binkley’s property (Please respect all our beachfront owners’ efforts to establish new dunes by not walking on them).
Beach Bollards New “Pedestrian Access” signs have been added to the bollards on both ends of the beach parking area. We can probably move the eastern bollards westward to 8 Mile Road. Strategies will be discussed at our February neighborhood meeting.
Garbage In your water bill you received guidelines for placement of garbage. Garbage is collected Monday morning; please do not put your garbage out before Sunday afternoon. If you have your house in a rental pool you need at least two cans. Call 409-741-4636 to order additional cans; it’s only an additional $3 per month. Make sure you have a system in place so that your trash cans get taken in and out at appropriate times.
Dirt Roads Please slow down, and post a sign in your rentals for cars to watch for pedestrians and to drive slowly. We have dirt roads, and when people go speeding up and down them, the people on the north side of the road have a cloud of dust drifting into their faces. There are dogs, children and adults walking to and from the beach … please, let’s keep everyone safe and dust-free.
Lock Your Cars We have a lot of people coming and going in our neighborhood. Please question people. If it doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. If your doors are locked you shouldn’t have any problems. We also have a West End Community Crime Watch (see below).
Programs
West End Community Crime Watch E-mail Group If you are interested in signing up, let Gerri Empey know. There is a personal information form to fill out and this program should start soon.
Texas Beach Watch Program The Galveston County Health District tests bacteria levels on the West End beaches. One of the locations checked is at 8 Mile Road, and we have a sign that lets you know if the bacteria levels are high. You also can check the Web site at www.gchd.org/pollution/beachadvisory.htm.
West Galveston Island Property Owners Association
WGIPOA is in its ninth year, and the challenges are still significant in the areas of coastal erosion, taxes, security, drainage and evacuation. They have been successful in addressing issues and concerns of property owner associations and maintaining the quality of life we enjoy on the West End. For information, go to wgipoa.com or contact Jerry Mohn at mohn@msn.com.
Upcoming Events
Galveston ArtWalk — Saturday, January 23, 2010
Mardi Gras — February 5–16, 2010
Sunny Beach Neighborhood Meeting — 6 p.m., Saturday, February 13, at 11216 Bernice Dr. (Billings’ house)
For Galveston area events and additional information, go to www.galveston.com.
Sunny Beach Neighborhood
2010 Dues Now Being Collected Support our neighborhood. Being an active part of SBN is a great opportunity to have an impact on our community! Make your $25 check payable to “SBN/Tom Empey” and send or deliver to 11221 Bernice Drive, Galveston TX 77554, by February 15, 2010.
Sunny Beach Neighborhood is an unincorporated, nonprofit, voluntary organization. We exist to provide ways for our neighborhood to come together as a group and to make Sunny Beach a better place to live and play. Membership dues are only a nominal annual fee of $25 per household. This pays for our membership with the West Galveston Island Property Owners Association (WGIPOA), newsletters, our directory, right-to-use access and other neighborhood improvement projects that the group would like to accomplish.
Officers
President — Tom Empey, 11221 Bernice Drive, tempey@comcast.net or 409-741-2455
Treasurer — Sook Miller, 11227 Bernice Drive, sookmil@gmail.com or 713-822-8395
Secretary — Kathe Giebelhaus, 11210 Bernice Drive, green_eyed_kat@hotmail.com or 409-939-7112
Sunny Beach Blog
Log onto: sunnybeachneighborhood.blogspot.com
Friday, January 22, 2010
Monday, December 07, 2009
Reason to Blog
We have a reason to blog today. It has been awhile and there is plenty to be thankful for in this season. We will try to catch up to everything soon.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Hurricane Ike
September 24, 2008
Today people started coming back to the island to access damage to their homes. Now is a time for rebuilding.
As a group Sunny Beach Neighbors are there for each other. Thanks to everyone who sent pictures and kept one another in touch with neighborhood information.
I'm not sure how to get the pictures on the blog, if you did not receive them just let me know and I'll get them to you.
I hope to see everyone soon. I'm in Minnesota and Tom is on the island.
We'll post things when we can.
Everyone stay safe!
Gerri
Today people started coming back to the island to access damage to their homes. Now is a time for rebuilding.
As a group Sunny Beach Neighbors are there for each other. Thanks to everyone who sent pictures and kept one another in touch with neighborhood information.
I'm not sure how to get the pictures on the blog, if you did not receive them just let me know and I'll get them to you.
I hope to see everyone soon. I'm in Minnesota and Tom is on the island.
We'll post things when we can.
Everyone stay safe!
Gerri
Sunday, July 27, 2008
The Bond Issuance Passed!
Our sewer bond issuance has made it through the city council with a super majority vote of 6 of 7 votes. The money will be here to spend in about a month. We can expect work to begin this winter with completion by spring. Congatulations to everyone. As a reminder, the city is working on language that will allow those with newer systems to continue using those systems for 5 to 10 years, allowing the amortization of those investments.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Sunny Beach Neighborhood Celebrates 10th Anniversary!
We have very important issues to deal with so please everyone please stay tuned. We will do our very best to keep everyone up to date. I will try to place them here in order of time sensitivity.
City Council Vote!!!!
Thursday July 24Th the city council will vote on the bond issue that will fund our sewer project. The vote will require a super majority of 6 votes. There is one new council member Elizabeth Beeton that has voted against a previously planned project that they nearly lost. If she does it again we will have a problem. She is taking issue with process, not the bond issue itself apparently. Given the issue with the proposed rules from the GLO, some of you may have issue with any further delay. If it goes through as planned, we will have sewer construction beginning in about 6 months. If you are considering a construction project please consider and watch this carefully. For those of you with perfectly working, maybe even new septic systems, there is a proposed rule change to allow you to keep using your system for 5 to 10 years in order to see your investment through. This is a very nice compromise by the city. With our new sewers we need a lift station. The land where the old water tank was on the west side of 8 mile road is being considered. They will deal with that as well in the Thursday meeting. A land swap is being constructed between the city and Marquette Development. Our new representative on the council is Karen Mahoney. She is aware of our issue.
HB-2819 The proposed rules by the GLO!
If you haven't kept up with this you need to. Check the previous posts. Read all you can.
On July 8Th, Jerry Patterson explained the new proposed rules for building set backs from the beach. As of right now he is saying these are voluntary rules that the local governments can comply with or not. However compliance will be tied to grant funding for CEPRA (Coastal Erosion Protection and Response Act)Funding. It is currently scheduled to take affect July 2009. It will not affect the current project re nourishment from being funded. That project will place sand 200 feet south of it's current position from the Seawall to 11mile road. A nice project for us. The City and County of Galveston, are opposed to the rule changes as you might expect. 
At the meeting County Judge Jim Yarborough as well as county commissioners verbally opposed the rules and said they could not support them as written. 
The WGIPOA is working with our local governments to come up with our own proposal to bring to them that may be a little less debilitating for land owners. Jerry Mohn has advised my that for now we should do nothing with this until they are further along. I will keep you posted PLEASE STAY TUNED. Any public comment must be to the GLO by August 15Th.
Tied to all the funding mechanisms for our re nourishment and other projects is the 4B Sales tax extension the city is asking for in the upcoming election. It will be on the ballot as a charter amendment. This sales tax is already being charged but the authority to charge it will run out in 2009. The amendment will authorize an extension of that authority. This needs to pass. YOU NEED TO VOTE. If one of your family members is not claiming voting rights in this city....YOU NEED TO. The west end now makes up approximately 48% of the tax base on the island but very little in registered voters. We need you. In order to take on big issues we need to have influence with our vote. A husband and wife can have one vote here and another in your other city and county. All you need to do is register to vote in this city. Please see the link. http://www.galvestonvotes.org/english_index.htm You can claim a homestead exemption on your home here too. Slow the tax man down a little.
At the Sunny Beach July 5Th Meeting we discussed the HB-2819. We are still in the same wait and see pattern for now but the announcement of the sewer project may influence some of the discussion.
It looks like we may get the long awaited for sidewalk along 8 mile road. The city is in budget cycle now and we reminded Steve LaBlanc (City Manager)of our request last year. We got a favorable response. It may well all happen at the same time as the sewer then roads etc.
Our new directory is going to print. Dues are due now. If you haven't payed them yet please do so.
The next WGIPOA meeting should be interesting. The General from the Army Corps of Engineers will be a guest. Many westenders believe that corps projects are at the core of our erosion issues.
Please also two committees that the WGIPOA has set up to watch legislation keep us current are the windstorm insurance committee and the tax valuations. They need help volunteers for these committees would put a nice foot forward for Sunny Beach. Any one interested please see the WGIPOA Website and call the committee chair. Hope all is well I will update you as I know more.
City Council Vote!!!!
Thursday July 24Th the city council will vote on the bond issue that will fund our sewer project. The vote will require a super majority of 6 votes. There is one new council member Elizabeth Beeton that has voted against a previously planned project that they nearly lost. If she does it again we will have a problem. She is taking issue with process, not the bond issue itself apparently. Given the issue with the proposed rules from the GLO, some of you may have issue with any further delay. If it goes through as planned, we will have sewer construction beginning in about 6 months. If you are considering a construction project please consider and watch this carefully. For those of you with perfectly working, maybe even new septic systems, there is a proposed rule change to allow you to keep using your system for 5 to 10 years in order to see your investment through. This is a very nice compromise by the city. With our new sewers we need a lift station. The land where the old water tank was on the west side of 8 mile road is being considered. They will deal with that as well in the Thursday meeting. A land swap is being constructed between the city and Marquette Development. Our new representative on the council is Karen Mahoney. She is aware of our issue.
HB-2819 The proposed rules by the GLO!
If you haven't kept up with this you need to. Check the previous posts. Read all you can.
On July 8Th, Jerry Patterson explained the new proposed rules for building set backs from the beach. As of right now he is saying these are voluntary rules that the local governments can comply with or not. However compliance will be tied to grant funding for CEPRA (Coastal Erosion Protection and Response Act)Funding. It is currently scheduled to take affect July 2009. It will not affect the current project re nourishment from being funded. That project will place sand 200 feet south of it's current position from the Seawall to 11mile road. A nice project for us. The City and County of Galveston, are opposed to the rule changes as you might expect. 
At the meeting County Judge Jim Yarborough as well as county commissioners verbally opposed the rules and said they could not support them as written. 
The WGIPOA is working with our local governments to come up with our own proposal to bring to them that may be a little less debilitating for land owners. Jerry Mohn has advised my that for now we should do nothing with this until they are further along. I will keep you posted PLEASE STAY TUNED. Any public comment must be to the GLO by August 15Th. Tied to all the funding mechanisms for our re nourishment and other projects is the 4B Sales tax extension the city is asking for in the upcoming election. It will be on the ballot as a charter amendment. This sales tax is already being charged but the authority to charge it will run out in 2009. The amendment will authorize an extension of that authority. This needs to pass. YOU NEED TO VOTE. If one of your family members is not claiming voting rights in this city....YOU NEED TO. The west end now makes up approximately 48% of the tax base on the island but very little in registered voters. We need you. In order to take on big issues we need to have influence with our vote. A husband and wife can have one vote here and another in your other city and county. All you need to do is register to vote in this city. Please see the link. http://www.galvestonvotes.org/english_index.htm You can claim a homestead exemption on your home here too. Slow the tax man down a little.
At the Sunny Beach July 5Th Meeting we discussed the HB-2819. We are still in the same wait and see pattern for now but the announcement of the sewer project may influence some of the discussion.
It looks like we may get the long awaited for sidewalk along 8 mile road. The city is in budget cycle now and we reminded Steve LaBlanc (City Manager)of our request last year. We got a favorable response. It may well all happen at the same time as the sewer then roads etc.
Our new directory is going to print. Dues are due now. If you haven't payed them yet please do so.
The next WGIPOA meeting should be interesting. The General from the Army Corps of Engineers will be a guest. Many westenders believe that corps projects are at the core of our erosion issues.
Please also two committees that the WGIPOA has set up to watch legislation keep us current are the windstorm insurance committee and the tax valuations. They need help volunteers for these committees would put a nice foot forward for Sunny Beach. Any one interested please see the WGIPOA Website and call the committee chair. Hope all is well I will update you as I know more.
Monday, June 30, 2008
GLO Proposed Setbacks (HB 2819)
If the suggested setbacks go into place it would bump building from 25 feet, the current setback, to an average of 300 feet from the dune line. That would be around Beard Drive, you could lose the right to build on Bernice Drive.
Two public hearings have been scheduled for July 8th. The first of the two will be held at 11:00 am in the Jury Assembly Room at the new Galveston County Justice Center, and the second will be at 4:00 pm in the County Annex Building on the Bolivar Peninsula. Commisioner Patterson will be at both. We hope you all can attend.
Please view these two stories that were in the Galveston Daily News for more information:
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=8d4c219dec47cf14
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=a212b5890e965440
HB 2819 Proposed GLO Rule Changes Erosion Response Plan (ERP)\
• Local governments must develop a draft plan by July 1, 2009, and
incorporate into the existing Beach & Dune Plan
• Establishment of a set back line, at minimum, no less than the greater of:
60 times annual erosion rate, measured from the line of vegetation
(Basis UT Bureau of Economic Geology erosion rates);
25 feet landward of the landward toe of the foredune ridge; or
If there is no foredune ridge, 300 feet landward of mean high water of
the Gulf of Mexico
• Set back line rules for local governments
Develop criteria to identify properties seaward of the set back line for
acquisition by local government
Provide for the acquisition of fee simple title or a lesser interest in
such properties by the local government.
Promulgate techniques for prioritizing properties to be acquired by
local government
Consider acquisition of structures located seaward of the set back
line, by the local government. Structures that are damaged more than
50% or destroyed by a meteorological event repairs will fall under
provisions of proposed rules section with stricter standards.
Prohibit new construction seaward of the building setback line.
No construction for platted properties within setback line
Practicable standard / with limited grandfather provisionmust
have current or expired beachfront construction.
Construction activities cannot exceed footprint of original
permit.
Structures within the setback area
New construction are to be 3 feet freeboard above BFE and no
impervious cover and open foundations
Develop a relocation plan for structures less than 5000 square
feet prepared by a registered professional engineer. Larger
structures not required to have a relocation plan.
Dune Protection Line (DPL)
The building set back line may not be located further
landward then the DPL, but the DPL must protect critical
dunes from erosion due to construction on adjacent properties.
Counties have statuatory authority to establish DPL, set-back
lines could impact DPL, forcing movement of DPL to match
State requirements.
Local governments should ensure existing dunes protect inland
areas from a 100 year storm surge
Local governments should provide dune restoration to fill gaps
in foredune ridge created by blowouts and private access
Grandfathered areas:
Previously approved master planned developments as defined
by GLO
Accreting beach greater than 2 feet per year
Platted property with an expired or current permit with
construction consistent with the prior permit
• Requirement for consideration of CEPRA eligibility
• Updated every 5 years
Other changes in HB 2819
• Line of vegetation – GLO determination is final
• Review periods – permits and amendments to beach access plans –
depending on situation, can be 30, 60, or 90 days
• GLO Commissioner has authority to determine if a property is insurable and
should be denied windstorm coverage through TWIA
• Prepare Geo-hazard maps for various coastal
Two public hearings have been scheduled for July 8th. The first of the two will be held at 11:00 am in the Jury Assembly Room at the new Galveston County Justice Center, and the second will be at 4:00 pm in the County Annex Building on the Bolivar Peninsula. Commisioner Patterson will be at both. We hope you all can attend.
Please view these two stories that were in the Galveston Daily News for more information:
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=8d4c219dec47cf14
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=a212b5890e965440
HB 2819 Proposed GLO Rule Changes Erosion Response Plan (ERP)\
• Local governments must develop a draft plan by July 1, 2009, and
incorporate into the existing Beach & Dune Plan
• Establishment of a set back line, at minimum, no less than the greater of:
60 times annual erosion rate, measured from the line of vegetation
(Basis UT Bureau of Economic Geology erosion rates);
25 feet landward of the landward toe of the foredune ridge; or
If there is no foredune ridge, 300 feet landward of mean high water of
the Gulf of Mexico
• Set back line rules for local governments
Develop criteria to identify properties seaward of the set back line for
acquisition by local government
Provide for the acquisition of fee simple title or a lesser interest in
such properties by the local government.
Promulgate techniques for prioritizing properties to be acquired by
local government
Consider acquisition of structures located seaward of the set back
line, by the local government. Structures that are damaged more than
50% or destroyed by a meteorological event repairs will fall under
provisions of proposed rules section with stricter standards.
Prohibit new construction seaward of the building setback line.
No construction for platted properties within setback line
Practicable standard / with limited grandfather provisionmust
have current or expired beachfront construction.
Construction activities cannot exceed footprint of original
permit.
Structures within the setback area
New construction are to be 3 feet freeboard above BFE and no
impervious cover and open foundations
Develop a relocation plan for structures less than 5000 square
feet prepared by a registered professional engineer. Larger
structures not required to have a relocation plan.
Dune Protection Line (DPL)
The building set back line may not be located further
landward then the DPL, but the DPL must protect critical
dunes from erosion due to construction on adjacent properties.
Counties have statuatory authority to establish DPL, set-back
lines could impact DPL, forcing movement of DPL to match
State requirements.
Local governments should ensure existing dunes protect inland
areas from a 100 year storm surge
Local governments should provide dune restoration to fill gaps
in foredune ridge created by blowouts and private access
Grandfathered areas:
Previously approved master planned developments as defined
by GLO
Accreting beach greater than 2 feet per year
Platted property with an expired or current permit with
construction consistent with the prior permit
• Requirement for consideration of CEPRA eligibility
• Updated every 5 years
Other changes in HB 2819
• Line of vegetation – GLO determination is final
• Review periods – permits and amendments to beach access plans –
depending on situation, can be 30, 60, or 90 days
• GLO Commissioner has authority to determine if a property is insurable and
should be denied windstorm coverage through TWIA
• Prepare Geo-hazard maps for various coastal
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
June 2008 Newsletter - 2008-2009 Dues are being collected
Sunny Beach Neighborhood is an unincorporated, nonprofit, voluntary organization established to enhance the common voice of Sunny Beach.
Sunny Beach Neighbors: Summer is here, and it looks to be a HOT one!
2008-2009 dues are being collected; invoices should be attached to your newsletter.
Next Meeting
Our next meeting will be Saturday, July 5th, 2008, at 6 p.m. The Empey’s will host this meeting at their home, 11221 Bernice Drive.
Sunny Beach Blog
Tom Empey created a blog for Sunny Beach Neighborhood where we can post thoughts and comments and look at news from the neighborhood. Log onto: sunnybeachneighborhood.blogspot.com. If you want to leave a comment, go past the posted information, and when you get to the bottom of that posting, you will see “leave a comment.” Click on that to leave your comments (not the picture of mail). Some people have been having problems signing on, but if you follow the instructions you should not have a problem. You need a Google account to leave a comment, not to read the blog. You can set that up by following links on our blog page. Once you have your Google account, you just sign in (normally, this is entering your e-mail address and a password) and type your comments.
E-Mail Addresses for Sunny Beach
Please send your preferred email address to: gempey@comcast.net for future correspondences.
Projects – Past, Present and Future
CEPRA – FEMA Assistance This replacement sand that was lost during Rita. Sand was placed in early March, and if you blinked, or didn’t come that particular week, you missed it. The replacement sand has been redistributed. High tides took it out faster than it was placed.
Sunny Beach Sign We discussed landscaping at the last meeting, but without water it is going to be very difficult to do. Julia Lewis planted some nice flowers, and Anne Billings put a plant and painted the east side of the sun face to make it more visible. Bill Bond has been watering when he can. Art Cantu bought the pelican that is sitting on one of the pilings. It’s looking good!
Sidewalk to the Beach We have a new city council person, which we have not made contact with yet. At the next meeting, let’s have discussion on perhaps doing our own sidewalk.
Directory Anne Billings is working on our new directory. If you have any changes or additions, please let her know. Send them to adavisbillings@tx.rr.com. Members are denoted in the Directory, so get your dues in as soon as possible to be credited as a member.
Raking This subject seems to change as often as the tide. We were told we needed a survey and permit to have the beach raked. Then we received an email stating that the Park Board could do it and we didn’t have to do anything but submit a letter. We submitted a letter, only to find out the GLO is making the Park Board also have permits to rake any areas they take care of. So, we were back to the no raking … but they have scraped it a few times since our letter. We have decided if they rake fine, if they don’t fine. We did not apply for a permit.
Issues
Hurricane Season Plan We all need to develop a plan in case we have a storm heading our way. After Rita, we all learned a lot about what needs to be done and having someone in place to do it. The people who live here have to take care of their own houses and leave early. Check now to make sure you have a shutter system available — whether that is cut plywood, film on your windows, shutters (roll, electric or other), or whatever you choose. Make sure everything is in working condition, so when it comes time to use it you are ready. When you leave the beach, take in your furniture, BBQ grill, or anything you have outside that could become a missile during high winds. If you have a rental, make sure the agency will take everything in for you. Give your cell phone number to Gerri Empey, and she will call after the storm to give you an update of the neighborhood (Tom will be here). We don’t live for storms, but we should have a plan in place in case we get one!
Garbage In your water bill you received guidelines for placement of garbage. Garbage is collected Monday morning; please do not put your garbage out before Sunday afternoon. If you have your house in a rental pool you need at least two cans. Call 409-741-4636 to order additional cans; it’s only an additional $3 per month. Make sure you have a system in place so that your trashcans get taken in and out at appropriate times.
Dirt Roads Please slow down, and post a sign in your rentals for cars to watch for pedestrians and to drive slowly. We have dirt roads and when people go speeding up and down them, the people on the north side of the road have a cloud of dust drifting into their faces. We have dogs, children and adults walking to and from the beach … please, let’s keep everyone safe and dust-free.
Lock Your Cars We have a lot of people coming and going in our neighborhood. Please question people. If it doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. If your doors are locked you shouldn’t have any problems.
Programs
Texas Beach Watch Program The Galveston County Health District tests bacteria levels on the West End beaches. One of the locations checked is at 8 Mile Road, and we have a sign that lets you know if the bacteria levels are high. You also can check the Web site at www.gchd.org/pollution/beachadvisory.htm.
West Galveston Island Property Owners Association
WGIPOA is in its eighth year, and the challenges are still significant in the areas of coastal erosion, taxes, security, drainage and evacuation. They have been successful in addressing issues and concerns of property owner associations and maintaining the quality of life we enjoy on the West End. For information, go to wgipoa.com or contact Jerry Mohn, mohn@msn.com.
Galveston Calendar of Events
July 5th Sunny Beach Neighborhood Meeting
Downtown Farmers Market (second Sat. every month)
Galveston ArtWalks
For more information, go to www.galveston.com.
Sunny Beach Neighborhood
It’s never too late to join the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Organization!
Dues are only $25 a year; 2008-2009 dues are payable now. Your invoice is attached.
Sunny Beach Neighborhood is an unincorporated, nonprofit, voluntary organization. We exist to provide ways for our neighborhood to come together as a group and to make Sunny Beach a better place to live and play. Dues are only $25 a year; 2008-2009 dues are payable now. This pays for our membership with the West Galveston Island Property Owners Association (WGIPOA), newsletters, our directory, right-to-use access for our beach walkover, and other neighborhood improvement projects that the group would like to accomplish.
Officers
President — Tom Empey, 11221 Bernice Drive, tempey@houston.rr.com or 409-741-2455
Treasurer — Sook Miller, 11227 Bernice Drive, sook@sleemiller.com or 713-822-8395
Secretary — Kathe Giebelhaus, 11210 Bernice Drive, green_eyed_kat@hotmail.com or
409-939-7112
Sunny Beach Neighbors: Summer is here, and it looks to be a HOT one!
2008-2009 dues are being collected; invoices should be attached to your newsletter.
Next Meeting
Our next meeting will be Saturday, July 5th, 2008, at 6 p.m. The Empey’s will host this meeting at their home, 11221 Bernice Drive.
Sunny Beach Blog
Tom Empey created a blog for Sunny Beach Neighborhood where we can post thoughts and comments and look at news from the neighborhood. Log onto: sunnybeachneighborhood.blogspot.com. If you want to leave a comment, go past the posted information, and when you get to the bottom of that posting, you will see “leave a comment.” Click on that to leave your comments (not the picture of mail). Some people have been having problems signing on, but if you follow the instructions you should not have a problem. You need a Google account to leave a comment, not to read the blog. You can set that up by following links on our blog page. Once you have your Google account, you just sign in (normally, this is entering your e-mail address and a password) and type your comments.
E-Mail Addresses for Sunny Beach
Please send your preferred email address to: gempey@comcast.net for future correspondences.
Projects – Past, Present and Future
CEPRA – FEMA Assistance This replacement sand that was lost during Rita. Sand was placed in early March, and if you blinked, or didn’t come that particular week, you missed it. The replacement sand has been redistributed. High tides took it out faster than it was placed.
Sunny Beach Sign We discussed landscaping at the last meeting, but without water it is going to be very difficult to do. Julia Lewis planted some nice flowers, and Anne Billings put a plant and painted the east side of the sun face to make it more visible. Bill Bond has been watering when he can. Art Cantu bought the pelican that is sitting on one of the pilings. It’s looking good!
Sidewalk to the Beach We have a new city council person, which we have not made contact with yet. At the next meeting, let’s have discussion on perhaps doing our own sidewalk.
Directory Anne Billings is working on our new directory. If you have any changes or additions, please let her know. Send them to adavisbillings@tx.rr.com. Members are denoted in the Directory, so get your dues in as soon as possible to be credited as a member.
Raking This subject seems to change as often as the tide. We were told we needed a survey and permit to have the beach raked. Then we received an email stating that the Park Board could do it and we didn’t have to do anything but submit a letter. We submitted a letter, only to find out the GLO is making the Park Board also have permits to rake any areas they take care of. So, we were back to the no raking … but they have scraped it a few times since our letter. We have decided if they rake fine, if they don’t fine. We did not apply for a permit.
Issues
Hurricane Season Plan We all need to develop a plan in case we have a storm heading our way. After Rita, we all learned a lot about what needs to be done and having someone in place to do it. The people who live here have to take care of their own houses and leave early. Check now to make sure you have a shutter system available — whether that is cut plywood, film on your windows, shutters (roll, electric or other), or whatever you choose. Make sure everything is in working condition, so when it comes time to use it you are ready. When you leave the beach, take in your furniture, BBQ grill, or anything you have outside that could become a missile during high winds. If you have a rental, make sure the agency will take everything in for you. Give your cell phone number to Gerri Empey, and she will call after the storm to give you an update of the neighborhood (Tom will be here). We don’t live for storms, but we should have a plan in place in case we get one!
Garbage In your water bill you received guidelines for placement of garbage. Garbage is collected Monday morning; please do not put your garbage out before Sunday afternoon. If you have your house in a rental pool you need at least two cans. Call 409-741-4636 to order additional cans; it’s only an additional $3 per month. Make sure you have a system in place so that your trashcans get taken in and out at appropriate times.
Dirt Roads Please slow down, and post a sign in your rentals for cars to watch for pedestrians and to drive slowly. We have dirt roads and when people go speeding up and down them, the people on the north side of the road have a cloud of dust drifting into their faces. We have dogs, children and adults walking to and from the beach … please, let’s keep everyone safe and dust-free.
Lock Your Cars We have a lot of people coming and going in our neighborhood. Please question people. If it doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. If your doors are locked you shouldn’t have any problems.
Programs
Texas Beach Watch Program The Galveston County Health District tests bacteria levels on the West End beaches. One of the locations checked is at 8 Mile Road, and we have a sign that lets you know if the bacteria levels are high. You also can check the Web site at www.gchd.org/pollution/beachadvisory.htm.
West Galveston Island Property Owners Association
WGIPOA is in its eighth year, and the challenges are still significant in the areas of coastal erosion, taxes, security, drainage and evacuation. They have been successful in addressing issues and concerns of property owner associations and maintaining the quality of life we enjoy on the West End. For information, go to wgipoa.com or contact Jerry Mohn, mohn@msn.com.
Galveston Calendar of Events
July 5th Sunny Beach Neighborhood Meeting
Downtown Farmers Market (second Sat. every month)
Galveston ArtWalks
For more information, go to www.galveston.com.
Sunny Beach Neighborhood
It’s never too late to join the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Organization!
Dues are only $25 a year; 2008-2009 dues are payable now. Your invoice is attached.
Sunny Beach Neighborhood is an unincorporated, nonprofit, voluntary organization. We exist to provide ways for our neighborhood to come together as a group and to make Sunny Beach a better place to live and play. Dues are only $25 a year; 2008-2009 dues are payable now. This pays for our membership with the West Galveston Island Property Owners Association (WGIPOA), newsletters, our directory, right-to-use access for our beach walkover, and other neighborhood improvement projects that the group would like to accomplish.
Officers
President — Tom Empey, 11221 Bernice Drive, tempey@houston.rr.com or 409-741-2455
Treasurer — Sook Miller, 11227 Bernice Drive, sook@sleemiller.com or 713-822-8395
Secretary — Kathe Giebelhaus, 11210 Bernice Drive, green_eyed_kat@hotmail.com or
409-939-7112
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
School Kids Plant Vegetation on Sunny Beach Dunes
Weis Middle School Children were in Sunny Beach on Tuesday May 20th. They were planting Bitter Panicum along the dunes.
They have been here before. About 3 years ago their science teacher chose our beach with another group and planted the same type of vegetation.
As you can see they were very successful and beach dunes benefited.
This time Jay Smith, the science teacher, has a new tool he calls Super Soil. It sucks moisture towards the plant roots and keeps it there.
As these plants grow they trap blowing sand and help build the dunes naturally, so that when we do have a storm event it adds the natural defense of a better dune line.
This last photo is a part of our dune line that the kids are planting now. As you can see from the previous photos, the plantings make a giant difference. Everything that each of us does to improve our environment contributes to the overall well being of everything and everyone around us.
Thank You, to all the young people that contributed to this project, from the Sunny Beach Neighbors. We appreciate your hard work and dedication to helping the beach.
They have been here before. About 3 years ago their science teacher chose our beach with another group and planted the same type of vegetation.
As you can see they were very successful and beach dunes benefited.
This time Jay Smith, the science teacher, has a new tool he calls Super Soil. It sucks moisture towards the plant roots and keeps it there.
As these plants grow they trap blowing sand and help build the dunes naturally, so that when we do have a storm event it adds the natural defense of a better dune line. 
This last photo is a part of our dune line that the kids are planting now. As you can see from the previous photos, the plantings make a giant difference. Everything that each of us does to improve our environment contributes to the overall well being of everything and everyone around us.
Thank You, to all the young people that contributed to this project, from the Sunny Beach Neighbors. We appreciate your hard work and dedication to helping the beach.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Update on Cost of Raking:
I had an email from the City and part of the application for the permit is that the beach has to be surveyed. I called the survey company, that is doing the survey for the sand project right now, and the very least they would charge is $500. It will be more like $1,000-$3,000 and every year you have to have a new survey when you apply for the raking permit.
So it's $100 for the permit, then the survey, and I would have to find someone to rake (the city didn't have a list of who does that). So it looks to be cost prohibited to pull a permit to "maybe" rake. Sorry!
FYI:
Response:
Yes 8 (get permit) (1 of those was yes, but no money. Another one was depending on cost)
No 4 (leave it)
Didn't matter 3
So it's $100 for the permit, then the survey, and I would have to find someone to rake (the city didn't have a list of who does that). So it looks to be cost prohibited to pull a permit to "maybe" rake. Sorry!
FYI:
Response:
Yes 8 (get permit) (1 of those was yes, but no money. Another one was depending on cost)
No 4 (leave it)
Didn't matter 3
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Meeting notes from 3/8/2008
Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association
Notes from 3/8/2008
Notes from 3/8/2008
1. Financial Status of Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association
a. Current Balance: $1297.16. We had collected $1200 for the Rita replacement sand project and a letter regarding the sand money is being developed. We have $97.16 for our working expenses, and $275 due for WGIPOA
i. Accounts Receivable from Outstanding Dues- We will let you know if you haven't paid your dues for 2007.
Current obligation
i. WGIPOA Dues - $275 due now
ii. Right to use easement fees - $40 due in November
iii. Refunds if any for the neighbors that contributed extra for the match funds that were not required, WGIPOA is asking for use to raise $7500 for the major sand project, a letter regarding the sand money is being developed.
Status of current projects
The Sign Project
Budget vs. Actual
1. Budget - $1000 (from what we remembered)
2. Actual - $1534.95, there might be one more outstanding receipt for the finishing rope, stainless screws. (Gerri thought $1037, but I don't know how to add
Budget vs. Actual
1. Budget - $1000 (from what we remembered)
2. Actual - $1534.95, there might be one more outstanding receipt for the finishing rope, stainless screws. (Gerri thought $1037, but I don't know how to add
5/1/07 Coastal Surveying Of Texas, Inc Sign Survey 162.37
8/23/07 City Of Galveston Sign - Permits 70.00
8/30/07 Galveston Wholesale Sign - Pilings 221.70
8/31/07 Alberts Pilings Sign - Pile Placement 250.00
11/4/07 Bruce Billings Sign - Letters & Sun's 332.75
11/19/07 Sea Sharp Sign - rope, boards, paint etc... 498.13
------------
TOTAL 4/1/07 - 3/8/08 -1,534.95
3. Landscaping Discussion - Kathryn Berdine ... will you help develop a landscape plan and budget?? Anyone who has plants they might want to contribute, or ideas, you can email Gerri and she will cor-ordinate the information. Sook has a couple of big white sea rocks that we could incorporate.
4. Other discussion regarding the sign project- Looks good, the Billings would like a carved pelican or seagull on the pilings.
The Sand Projects Discussion --- We have two
1. FEMA RITA REPLACEMENT - being placed now
2. CEPRA V the large project and the difference between the two. This project is being delayed until late 2009/2010
1. FEMA RITA REPLACEMENT - being placed now
2. CEPRA V the large project and the difference between the two. This project is being delayed until late 2009/2010
Sidewalk Project is currently stalled. We will have to make another official request and start the process over Discussion Tom will make contact with Diana Puchitti and Steve LeBlanc, looks like we just need to stay with this until someone helps. This is a sidewalk from Schwartz to either Bernice or beach due to the danger of walking along 8 mile road.
Water Tower Complete?? Everybody Happy? It's completed, looks good
Other Items that effect us
i. 4b sales tax discussion
ii. consider registering in Galveston for the right to vote. One person can vote where your home is and one can vote here for Galveston issues.
Other Items that effect us
i. 4b sales tax discussion
ii. consider registering in Galveston for the right to vote. One person can vote where your home is and one can vote here for Galveston issues.
Resolution Sent to Washington. You can read this on the blog
Other projects considered at previous meetings
i. Trees for the front of the neighborhood along 3005. Any discussion? Gerri will contact owners along 3005 and get pricing on clearing ditches, Tom will get prices on 5' trees.
i. Trees for the front of the neighborhood along 3005. Any discussion? Gerri will contact owners along 3005 and get pricing on clearing ditches, Tom will get prices on 5' trees.
Projects to be considered for this year???
i. Sea Weed push back: Gerri thought she read that we have to have a survey, she will get clarification .. it may be cost prohibited.
ii. Sook would like to see umbrellas and chairs, something to create a better feel and look for the front of our development .. maybe Jacob might want a job?
iii. Concern was expressed about a few people who come everyday and hang out in the parking area, Gerri will follow-up with Mark Miller to see what he suggests we do.
What impact do we want on the west ends future?
Does anyone want to go to the city planning meetings for the future of Galveston?
We have the right to a board seat at the table of the west WGIPOA. Would anyone like to consider putting his or her hat in the ring? The next opportunity is next February.
i. Sea Weed push back: Gerri thought she read that we have to have a survey, she will get clarification .. it may be cost prohibited.
ii. Sook would like to see umbrellas and chairs, something to create a better feel and look for the front of our development .. maybe Jacob might want a job?
iii. Concern was expressed about a few people who come everyday and hang out in the parking area, Gerri will follow-up with Mark Miller to see what he suggests we do.
What impact do we want on the west ends future?
Does anyone want to go to the city planning meetings for the future of Galveston?
We have the right to a board seat at the table of the west WGIPOA. Would anyone like to consider putting his or her hat in the ring? The next opportunity is next February.
Reminders for the season. Talk to your neighbors about a hurricane plan when you see them.
Send them to the blog: Things that need to be done before the next meeting: Which will be in June.
Sook - Get TIN
Landscape - Design around sign, Trees along 3005 behind homes on Schwartz. Ask Kathryn Berdine if she will head this project.
Sidewalk/Rope - Tom will re propose the sidewalk plan, and call our city council rep.
Gerri - Will talk to Mark Miller about group on the beach.
And also find out more information on Sea Weed Permit.
Kathe and Tom will develop letter and information about the major sand project, suggested donations and we will need every one's response on whether they will participate.
Sook - Get TIN
Landscape - Design around sign, Trees along 3005 behind homes on Schwartz. Ask Kathryn Berdine if she will head this project.
Sidewalk/Rope - Tom will re propose the sidewalk plan, and call our city council rep.
Gerri - Will talk to Mark Miller about group on the beach.
And also find out more information on Sea Weed Permit.
Kathe and Tom will develop letter and information about the major sand project, suggested donations and we will need every one's response on whether they will participate.
Newsletter in May, next meeting is June ... Anyone want to host it??
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Corps begins taking samples, Annual meeting
Remember the letter we recieved from the Army Corps of Engineers some time ago? We have finally seen the exploring begin. They were out taking soil samples. Here is a picture from Bernice Drive. Nothing has blown up so far......So far so good.
West Galveston Island Property Owners Association met for the annual meeting as well as a program presented by the city. You can the read all about it at the WGIPOA website. The Following is a resolution that the WGIPOA has excepted and as a signator we, your board, are also excepting.
The CEPRA II replacement sand is finally at hand. At the meeting it was announced the work would began on Monday Feb 17th in Spanish Grant. That will be nice to see.
Our Meeting is schedualed for Sat March 8th Hope to see you there.
T
Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association
2008 Coastal Federal Legislative Agenda
On this the 16th day of February, 2008, the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association on West Galveston Island, Texas; met in special session when the following proceedings, were had, to-wit:
Whereas, America’s, and specifically, the beaches and shorelines of West Galveston Island, Texas, are home to some of the nation’s most precious natural resources. Beyond their intrinsic natural beauty, healthy beaches provide effective storm damage protection, offer residents and visitors unequaled recreational opportunities, and provide unique environmental habitats. Together with coastal wetlands, bird sanctuaries, estuaries, ports, intra-coastal waterways and other resources, our coastal regions are economic engines filled with recreational opportunities and environmental treasures that deserve to be preserved and protected. America’s beaches are major tourist destinations for millions of domestic and foreign visitors, providing jobs and business profits which, in turn, produce billions of dollars in tax revenue for the federal government; and
Whereas, the devastation caused by hurricanes and severe weather underscores the need to invest in our nations water resources infrastructure, including shore protection projects; and
Whereas, nearly 60 percent of all Americans live within 50 miles of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Gulf of Mexico, and the five Great Lakes; and it is imperative the federal government acknowledge its role and responsibility for continued support of our nation’s public shores and beaches; and
Whereas, the past half century has demonstrated that beach nourishment works as a means of repairing erosion, storm damage protection and providing recreation while providing at least $4 in national economic benefits for every $1 of federal money spent.
Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved that the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association, and the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association, (ASBPA) call upon federal legislators to help enact the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association, 2008 Coastal Federal Legislative Agenda including the following actions:
ASBPA and the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association, support the following Federal Funding Initiatives
· Support the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Shoreline Erosion Feasibility Study to meet project goals and objectives by providing sufficient funding for those purposes and provide increased funding for studies and beach restoration projects throughout the nation and urges the Administration to include them in its budget recommendations. If the Administration does not recommend adequate funding for these studies and projects, jointly, the ASBPA and the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association, respectfully reminds Congress that it is essential that priority be given to funding the periodic nourishments to which Congress has made a statutory commitment. In addition, ASBPA and the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association, urges Congress to fund new beach nourishment study and construction starts, and permit projects to move seamlessly from study to design to construction. ASBPA estimates the cost of providing adequate federal funding for all beach restoration projects and studies in FY 2009 to be over $300 million, which will be matched by over $175 million from states and localities; and,
· Support adequate federal funding for shallow draft federal waterways, including the nation’s Intracoastal Waterway systems. These waterways are an essential part of the national waterways system, whose users provide significant tax revenues to the federal government; and,
· Support funding for the National Shoreline Technology Demonstration Program (the “Section 227 Program”) at no less than $10 million, and the National Shoreline Management Study at no less than $1 million. Equally important is the need to provide at least $30 million for the newly-authorized National Regional Sediment Management Program, including funding for studies that had been partially funded previously by Congress under the former Regional Sediment Management Demonstration Program; and,
· The U.S. Ocean Commission report and the President’s Ocean Action Plan highlight the need to assemble and make available to the public coastal and ocean data. ASBPA and the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association, urge Congress to initiate $1 million in funding for the National Coastal Data Bank. By appropriating $1 million, Congress can begin a four-year effort to establish an Internet-based home for existing federal, state, and academic institution data on coastal processes; and,
· Supports increased funding for FEMA’s pre-disaster mitigation program and urges that agency to recognize the significant damage mitigation benefits derived from nourished beaches by encouraging coastal communities to restore eroded beaches; and,
· Supports the completion of the 2005 National Survey on Recreation and the Environment being conducted by NOAA’s Coastal and Ocean Resource Economics Division. And fund $400,000 in FY 2009 to complete the 2005 Survey and $20,000 to allow NOAA to share the collected economic data with coastal states; and,
ASBPA and the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association, support the following
Federal Policy Initiatives
· Passage of a Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) in 2008 so that Congress can return to a biennial schedule of this bill that is critical for the nation’s water resources infrastructure; and,
· Urges the inclusion in WRDA of language requiring the Corps of Engineers to give equal weight to the economic benefits of tourism, recreation, boating, and fishing to the region and the nation in formulating beach nourishment projects; and,
· Urges the passage of H.R. 68, which will allow for the Corps of Engineers to recommend to Congress the reauthorization of beach nourishment projects prior to the expiration of their initial 50-year period for federal fiscal involvement.; and,
· Urges the Corps of Engineers to develop guidelines that enable local governments and private homeowner groups to avoid being penalized for undertaking interim erosion control activities prior to a pending federal beach nourishment project; and,
· Encourages federal initiatives to develop research in coastal engineering and science; and,
· Supports the development of the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) and urges Congress to pass the Ocean and Coastal Observation Systems Act (S. 950). Enhanced collection and analysis of coastal and ocean data will improve public policy decisions and will also help provide advance warning of hazardous conditions to potentially-affected coastal communities; and,
· Urges Congress to reauthorize the BEACH Act by passing HR 2537 and S 1506, and recommends continued investment in protecting beach water quality provided that it includes additional studies of epidemiology to update or improve our understanding of appropriate pathogen; and,
· Supports a multi-agency approach to assess the economic and environmental impacts of beaches and the beach nourishment process including the belief that the level of risk from coastal storms and sea level rise faced by the nation needs to be addressed by a coherent national policy and a multi-year action plan needs to be developed in order to streamline federal efforts to address these; and
· Urges all levels of government to adopt measures to assure that all members of the public have access to coastal resources and to encourage development practices that are consistent with natural hazards and local conditions. In addition, federal agencies such as FEMA and the Corps of Engineers should reward those communities that have adopted such; and,
ASBPA and the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association, support these additional
Federal Initiatives
· Supports the creation of a Water Resources Coalition to advance federal policies and funding for water resources across the nation. This partnership between leading trade associations, interest groups, corporate interests, and governmental organizations will work with Congress, the Corps of Engineers, and other federal agencies to improve the practices and policies impacting the nation’s water resources, and to encourage full federal funding for the nation’s water infrastructure; and,
· Supports the re-establishment of a Senate Coastal Caucus as well as the strengthening of the House Coastal Caucus and the Congressional Waterways Caucus and will provide each with day-to-day assistance; and,
· Supports the mission of the re-established Congressional Hazards Caucus and will participate in the activities of the Congressional Hazards Caucus Alliance, a working group formed to provide information and support to Caucus members. Additionally urges coordination and cooperation among the various congressional caucuses concerned with coastal and tourism; and,
· Supports the efforts of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to expand property owner participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.
Be it Further Resolved that the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association, issues this Resolution supporting the ASBPA and the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association 2008 Coastal Federal Legislative Agenda and seeks the aid and support of its legislative delegation in the passage of these desperately needed programs; and
Be it further Resolved additionally that a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the minutes of this Organization and that originals hereof be furnished to Senator Hutchison, Senator Cornyn, and Representative Paul.
Upon Motion Duly Made and Seconded, the above Resolution was unanimously passed on this 16th day of February, 2008.
Attest: Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association
Tom Empey, President
Sook Miller, Treasurer
Kathe Giebelhuas, Secretary
West Galveston Island Property Owners Association met for the annual meeting as well as a program presented by the city. You can the read all about it at the WGIPOA website. The Following is a resolution that the WGIPOA has excepted and as a signator we, your board, are also excepting.
The CEPRA II replacement sand is finally at hand. At the meeting it was announced the work would began on Monday Feb 17th in Spanish Grant. That will be nice to see.
Our Meeting is schedualed for Sat March 8th Hope to see you there.
T
Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association
2008 Coastal Federal Legislative Agenda
On this the 16th day of February, 2008, the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association on West Galveston Island, Texas; met in special session when the following proceedings, were had, to-wit:
Whereas, America’s, and specifically, the beaches and shorelines of West Galveston Island, Texas, are home to some of the nation’s most precious natural resources. Beyond their intrinsic natural beauty, healthy beaches provide effective storm damage protection, offer residents and visitors unequaled recreational opportunities, and provide unique environmental habitats. Together with coastal wetlands, bird sanctuaries, estuaries, ports, intra-coastal waterways and other resources, our coastal regions are economic engines filled with recreational opportunities and environmental treasures that deserve to be preserved and protected. America’s beaches are major tourist destinations for millions of domestic and foreign visitors, providing jobs and business profits which, in turn, produce billions of dollars in tax revenue for the federal government; and
Whereas, the devastation caused by hurricanes and severe weather underscores the need to invest in our nations water resources infrastructure, including shore protection projects; and
Whereas, nearly 60 percent of all Americans live within 50 miles of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Gulf of Mexico, and the five Great Lakes; and it is imperative the federal government acknowledge its role and responsibility for continued support of our nation’s public shores and beaches; and
Whereas, the past half century has demonstrated that beach nourishment works as a means of repairing erosion, storm damage protection and providing recreation while providing at least $4 in national economic benefits for every $1 of federal money spent.
Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved that the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association, and the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association, (ASBPA) call upon federal legislators to help enact the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association, 2008 Coastal Federal Legislative Agenda including the following actions:
ASBPA and the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association, support the following Federal Funding Initiatives
· Support the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Shoreline Erosion Feasibility Study to meet project goals and objectives by providing sufficient funding for those purposes and provide increased funding for studies and beach restoration projects throughout the nation and urges the Administration to include them in its budget recommendations. If the Administration does not recommend adequate funding for these studies and projects, jointly, the ASBPA and the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association, respectfully reminds Congress that it is essential that priority be given to funding the periodic nourishments to which Congress has made a statutory commitment. In addition, ASBPA and the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association, urges Congress to fund new beach nourishment study and construction starts, and permit projects to move seamlessly from study to design to construction. ASBPA estimates the cost of providing adequate federal funding for all beach restoration projects and studies in FY 2009 to be over $300 million, which will be matched by over $175 million from states and localities; and,
· Support adequate federal funding for shallow draft federal waterways, including the nation’s Intracoastal Waterway systems. These waterways are an essential part of the national waterways system, whose users provide significant tax revenues to the federal government; and,
· Support funding for the National Shoreline Technology Demonstration Program (the “Section 227 Program”) at no less than $10 million, and the National Shoreline Management Study at no less than $1 million. Equally important is the need to provide at least $30 million for the newly-authorized National Regional Sediment Management Program, including funding for studies that had been partially funded previously by Congress under the former Regional Sediment Management Demonstration Program; and,
· The U.S. Ocean Commission report and the President’s Ocean Action Plan highlight the need to assemble and make available to the public coastal and ocean data. ASBPA and the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association, urge Congress to initiate $1 million in funding for the National Coastal Data Bank. By appropriating $1 million, Congress can begin a four-year effort to establish an Internet-based home for existing federal, state, and academic institution data on coastal processes; and,
· Supports increased funding for FEMA’s pre-disaster mitigation program and urges that agency to recognize the significant damage mitigation benefits derived from nourished beaches by encouraging coastal communities to restore eroded beaches; and,
· Supports the completion of the 2005 National Survey on Recreation and the Environment being conducted by NOAA’s Coastal and Ocean Resource Economics Division. And fund $400,000 in FY 2009 to complete the 2005 Survey and $20,000 to allow NOAA to share the collected economic data with coastal states; and,
ASBPA and the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association, support the following
Federal Policy Initiatives
· Passage of a Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) in 2008 so that Congress can return to a biennial schedule of this bill that is critical for the nation’s water resources infrastructure; and,
· Urges the inclusion in WRDA of language requiring the Corps of Engineers to give equal weight to the economic benefits of tourism, recreation, boating, and fishing to the region and the nation in formulating beach nourishment projects; and,
· Urges the passage of H.R. 68, which will allow for the Corps of Engineers to recommend to Congress the reauthorization of beach nourishment projects prior to the expiration of their initial 50-year period for federal fiscal involvement.; and,
· Urges the Corps of Engineers to develop guidelines that enable local governments and private homeowner groups to avoid being penalized for undertaking interim erosion control activities prior to a pending federal beach nourishment project; and,
· Encourages federal initiatives to develop research in coastal engineering and science; and,
· Supports the development of the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) and urges Congress to pass the Ocean and Coastal Observation Systems Act (S. 950). Enhanced collection and analysis of coastal and ocean data will improve public policy decisions and will also help provide advance warning of hazardous conditions to potentially-affected coastal communities; and,
· Urges Congress to reauthorize the BEACH Act by passing HR 2537 and S 1506, and recommends continued investment in protecting beach water quality provided that it includes additional studies of epidemiology to update or improve our understanding of appropriate pathogen; and,
· Supports a multi-agency approach to assess the economic and environmental impacts of beaches and the beach nourishment process including the belief that the level of risk from coastal storms and sea level rise faced by the nation needs to be addressed by a coherent national policy and a multi-year action plan needs to be developed in order to streamline federal efforts to address these; and
· Urges all levels of government to adopt measures to assure that all members of the public have access to coastal resources and to encourage development practices that are consistent with natural hazards and local conditions. In addition, federal agencies such as FEMA and the Corps of Engineers should reward those communities that have adopted such; and,
ASBPA and the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association, support these additional
Federal Initiatives
· Supports the creation of a Water Resources Coalition to advance federal policies and funding for water resources across the nation. This partnership between leading trade associations, interest groups, corporate interests, and governmental organizations will work with Congress, the Corps of Engineers, and other federal agencies to improve the practices and policies impacting the nation’s water resources, and to encourage full federal funding for the nation’s water infrastructure; and,
· Supports the re-establishment of a Senate Coastal Caucus as well as the strengthening of the House Coastal Caucus and the Congressional Waterways Caucus and will provide each with day-to-day assistance; and,
· Supports the mission of the re-established Congressional Hazards Caucus and will participate in the activities of the Congressional Hazards Caucus Alliance, a working group formed to provide information and support to Caucus members. Additionally urges coordination and cooperation among the various congressional caucuses concerned with coastal and tourism; and,
· Supports the efforts of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to expand property owner participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.
Be it Further Resolved that the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association, issues this Resolution supporting the ASBPA and the Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association 2008 Coastal Federal Legislative Agenda and seeks the aid and support of its legislative delegation in the passage of these desperately needed programs; and
Be it further Resolved additionally that a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the minutes of this Organization and that originals hereof be furnished to Senator Hutchison, Senator Cornyn, and Representative Paul.
Upon Motion Duly Made and Seconded, the above Resolution was unanimously passed on this 16th day of February, 2008.
Attest: Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association
Tom Empey, President
Sook Miller, Treasurer
Kathe Giebelhuas, Secretary
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Changes in the Beach Re-nourishment
The proposed beach re-nourishment plan that was scheduled for 2008 has been postponed to 2009, primarily to have more time to raise money to expand the project. You can follow the news in the Galveston Daily News. Remember the link on this page.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
March Meeting
Hello to all Sunny Beachers
Haven’t updated the blog for a while, there wasn’t that much to talk about but that has changed.
First, check out the new sign. It was a great project. Thanks to those of you that took a roll in the design and construction. We have had compliments of the highest sort from other communities on the west end. They are wondering who made our sign; they would like to hire the company that was responsible. It really is a nice looking sign and it took a neighborhood to make it happen. I especially want to take this opportunity to thank Jacqueline Beckham the landowner that allowed us to put the sign on her property. The old sign was in a state of Texas’ easement and illegal.
On to other things;
The Rita replacement sand is finally on it’s way. It should happen very soon now, certainly before turtle nesting season in the spring. If you are new to Sunny Beach we applied for a state/federal grant in 2003. We were awarded a grant to do beach re-nourishment. It was matching funds grant, which meant we had to raise some of our own monies as a match to get the larger amounts from the CEPRA II (coastal erosion and protection response act) grant cycle. We had a very successful project. We raised $7500 and were able to place almost 10,000 cubic yards of sand on the beach in front of our neighborhood. Hurricane RITA (2005) did some damage to that sand placement. Because there were federal funds in the original grant, the project was protected by FEMA. We thought we would have to raise another match to get FEMA to help, but that is now not going to be necessary. FEMA will replace the sand that was taken during the storm event in 2005, which was about ½ of the original placement. So when you see the new placement it won’t be quite as much as you saw the first time but, it will be substantial. Surveyors were out just prior to the storm and just after so they have great data to rely on.
Now there is another large beach re-nourishment project in the works that you may have heard of by now. The state is going to widen by 200 feet and re-nourish the beach from the seawall to beach pocket # 3, about 3 Miles that includes Sunny Beach. That project will be happening next winter. They are trying to expand the project to include the entire island. One of the big stumbling blocks has been sand source but that now has been resolved. The 3-mile project WILL happen. The state needs to find additional sources of revenue to make the entire island project happen.
The coastal coordination council has asked us directly if we would be willing to donate the funds we would have had to collect for the RITA replacement sand match. That would be 10% of our project cost of $75,000 or $7,500. We need to discuss this at our March meeting and give them an answer. Included is the email from Jerry Mohn where the council made this recommendation.
We can talk at the meeting about how I responded. We were thinking the second weekend in March, Saturday March 8, 2008.
Feel free to post opinions or comments.
Haven’t updated the blog for a while, there wasn’t that much to talk about but that has changed.
First, check out the new sign. It was a great project. Thanks to those of you that took a roll in the design and construction. We have had compliments of the highest sort from other communities on the west end. They are wondering who made our sign; they would like to hire the company that was responsible. It really is a nice looking sign and it took a neighborhood to make it happen. I especially want to take this opportunity to thank Jacqueline Beckham the landowner that allowed us to put the sign on her property. The old sign was in a state of Texas’ easement and illegal.
On to other things;
The Rita replacement sand is finally on it’s way. It should happen very soon now, certainly before turtle nesting season in the spring. If you are new to Sunny Beach we applied for a state/federal grant in 2003. We were awarded a grant to do beach re-nourishment. It was matching funds grant, which meant we had to raise some of our own monies as a match to get the larger amounts from the CEPRA II (coastal erosion and protection response act) grant cycle. We had a very successful project. We raised $7500 and were able to place almost 10,000 cubic yards of sand on the beach in front of our neighborhood. Hurricane RITA (2005) did some damage to that sand placement. Because there were federal funds in the original grant, the project was protected by FEMA. We thought we would have to raise another match to get FEMA to help, but that is now not going to be necessary. FEMA will replace the sand that was taken during the storm event in 2005, which was about ½ of the original placement. So when you see the new placement it won’t be quite as much as you saw the first time but, it will be substantial. Surveyors were out just prior to the storm and just after so they have great data to rely on.
Now there is another large beach re-nourishment project in the works that you may have heard of by now. The state is going to widen by 200 feet and re-nourish the beach from the seawall to beach pocket # 3, about 3 Miles that includes Sunny Beach. That project will be happening next winter. They are trying to expand the project to include the entire island. One of the big stumbling blocks has been sand source but that now has been resolved. The 3-mile project WILL happen. The state needs to find additional sources of revenue to make the entire island project happen.
The coastal coordination council has asked us directly if we would be willing to donate the funds we would have had to collect for the RITA replacement sand match. That would be 10% of our project cost of $75,000 or $7,500. We need to discuss this at our March meeting and give them an answer. Included is the email from Jerry Mohn where the council made this recommendation.
Hi Tom – Glad to see the concrete structure removed. We are getting there.
At the Galveston County Beach Erosion Task Force meeting last week, we discussed the possibility of those subdivisions and condos who will receive sand to replace the material lost during Hurricane Rita, to consider the match funds they planned to use to go for the CEPRA V sand nourishment project from the end of the Seawall to 3 miles, which includes Sunny Beach. Initially, FEMA’s program in replacing the CEPRA II sand was 75/25 match then they changed to 90/10 and then 100% with no funds from the subdivision or condos.
The Task Force would like to recommend to the subdivisions and condos rather than use funds for any additional sand now to use the funds for this massive CEPRA V sand nourishment project planned by the GLO starting the end of this year. Since FEMA is paying 100% of the cost to replace the CEPRA II sand, your 10% or $7,710, that Sunny Beach planned as the match could be used for CEPRA V. Since Sunny Beach had these funds set aside, the GLO is looking for funds and this would be a great way to support their efforts. The GLO is waiting on an amended permit and they are ready to go with the sand replacement.
Appreciate if you could review with your Board to consider using the 10% match funds for the CEPRA V program. No problem if you would like to contribute more.
Many thanks again and please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information.
Jerry
We can talk at the meeting about how I responded. We were thinking the second weekend in March, Saturday March 8, 2008.
Feel free to post opinions or comments.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Requests Presented to Marquette
The following are requests for a commitment being presented to the Marquette group from the subdivisions effected by the proposed development via the West Galveston Island Property Owners Association. Hope all is well and please post your comments.
Marquette Development
Beach Front Subdivision
A commitment list for beach front subdivisions for an agreement with Marquette Development:
· Include in a shoreline protection engineering study the areas from the end of the Seawall to 13 Mile Road with recommendations in what needs to be done to stabilize the erosion rates. Among the considerations of the study should be planning for integration of both existing and proposed protective structures, with particular emphasis on the interfaces between subdivisions using different technology designs.
· Include in covenants and deed restrictions for the development areas from 8 mile road to 11 Mile Road and South of Stewart Road to the beach, a mechanism for monetary assessment for beach preservation.
· Investigate the possibility in setting up a Management District or a Public Improvement District. Investigate if the West Galveston Island Conservation District can be used for this purpose.
· Participate and provide funds for beach restoration, protection, renourishment or enhancement of the beach seaward of the line of vegetation.
· Any beach protection systems that may be installed by Marquette or any other entity in the project currently identified as The Preserve at West Beach will not create any accelerated erosion of the beach in front of adjacent areas.
· The Preserve at West Beach will not negatively impact the water pressure provided by the City of Galveston to the homes.
· Marquette will cooperate regarding vehicular traffic flows, parking and routing of traffic and encourage their residents not to cross private lots to have access to the beach.
· Marquette will cooperate to encourage the City of Galveston to find a permanent solution for lack of drainage of rainwater in the beach subdivisions adjacent to the Marquette properties.
Marquette Development
Beach Front Subdivision
A commitment list for beach front subdivisions for an agreement with Marquette Development:
· Include in a shoreline protection engineering study the areas from the end of the Seawall to 13 Mile Road with recommendations in what needs to be done to stabilize the erosion rates. Among the considerations of the study should be planning for integration of both existing and proposed protective structures, with particular emphasis on the interfaces between subdivisions using different technology designs.
· Include in covenants and deed restrictions for the development areas from 8 mile road to 11 Mile Road and South of Stewart Road to the beach, a mechanism for monetary assessment for beach preservation.
· Investigate the possibility in setting up a Management District or a Public Improvement District. Investigate if the West Galveston Island Conservation District can be used for this purpose.
· Participate and provide funds for beach restoration, protection, renourishment or enhancement of the beach seaward of the line of vegetation.
· Any beach protection systems that may be installed by Marquette or any other entity in the project currently identified as The Preserve at West Beach will not create any accelerated erosion of the beach in front of adjacent areas.
· The Preserve at West Beach will not negatively impact the water pressure provided by the City of Galveston to the homes.
· Marquette will cooperate regarding vehicular traffic flows, parking and routing of traffic and encourage their residents not to cross private lots to have access to the beach.
· Marquette will cooperate to encourage the City of Galveston to find a permanent solution for lack of drainage of rainwater in the beach subdivisions adjacent to the Marquette properties.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Letter to the Mayor
The following is a letter that I recently sent to the Mayor of Galveston. I thought you might like to see it. I will post the response.
T
June 14, 2007
Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas
City of Galveston
P.O. Box 779
823 Rosenberg
Galveston, Texas 77553
Dear Madam Mayor,
I am writing to bring to your attention an issue that has had a tremendously negative impact on our small neighborhood on the west end, Sunny Beach. We are located just south of 3005 and east of 8-mile road. 8-mile road is the only access to our neighborhood, and the access to the public beach parking area.
We are aware of the difficult task the planning department had bringing the island into compliance with the Texas Open Beaches Act. However, the beach access plan instituted last year has unfairly burdened our neighborhood. The plan more than doubled the Sunny Beach T head parking area. The increased traffic load is substantial.
Now this year beach pocket park #1 has reopened as a PAID parking area to our east. Beach pocket park # 2 just to our west is also a PAID parking facility. The distance between the two is less than 1.5 miles with our FREE and enlarged T head sandwiched in-between. You can imagine the FREE traffic we get. The public works department has helped at least slow the traffic with the placement of speed humps, but it’s not enough.
Many of our neighbors use 8-mile road to walk to the beach. It is no longer safe for our residents, their children and guests to make that walk down the side of 8-mile road. We are respectfully requesting the City of Galveston’s help to mitigate a small portion of the negative impact the cities plan has caused in our little neighborhood.
We would like a sidewalk placed adjacent to 8-mile road the entire length of our neighborhood, from 3005 to the beach. (approx 875ft) We also want a barrier between the traffic and the pedestrians. We have a design of posts and a rope fence in mind. It would be economical and form a safety barrier for the pedestrians, while maintaining an aesthetically appropriate beach friendly appearance.
We all want to co-operate with the cities plans for the future, and understand some of the problems created by growth. Please take this opportunity to help mitigate a problem created by city staff. Feel free to contact me at any time if you have concerns that need to be addressed. We look forward to helping the cities public works department in completing the sidewalk project in any way we can. Time is of the essence; the summer season is upon us. Your help and attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.
In addition, we are requesting written notification to any meetings or discussions of modifications to the current beach access plan.
Sincerely,
Tom Empey
President
Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association
11221 Bernice Drive
Galveston, TX 77554
409-741-2455
713-410-9672 (mobile)
tempey@houston.rr.com
Cc:
Dianna D. Puccetti
Steve LeBlanc
Brandon Wade
Jerry Mohn
Honorable Bryan Lamb
Ray Newby, GLO
Wendy O’Donohoe
T
June 14, 2007
Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas
City of Galveston
P.O. Box 779
823 Rosenberg
Galveston, Texas 77553
Dear Madam Mayor,
I am writing to bring to your attention an issue that has had a tremendously negative impact on our small neighborhood on the west end, Sunny Beach. We are located just south of 3005 and east of 8-mile road. 8-mile road is the only access to our neighborhood, and the access to the public beach parking area.
We are aware of the difficult task the planning department had bringing the island into compliance with the Texas Open Beaches Act. However, the beach access plan instituted last year has unfairly burdened our neighborhood. The plan more than doubled the Sunny Beach T head parking area. The increased traffic load is substantial.
Now this year beach pocket park #1 has reopened as a PAID parking area to our east. Beach pocket park # 2 just to our west is also a PAID parking facility. The distance between the two is less than 1.5 miles with our FREE and enlarged T head sandwiched in-between. You can imagine the FREE traffic we get. The public works department has helped at least slow the traffic with the placement of speed humps, but it’s not enough.
Many of our neighbors use 8-mile road to walk to the beach. It is no longer safe for our residents, their children and guests to make that walk down the side of 8-mile road. We are respectfully requesting the City of Galveston’s help to mitigate a small portion of the negative impact the cities plan has caused in our little neighborhood.
We would like a sidewalk placed adjacent to 8-mile road the entire length of our neighborhood, from 3005 to the beach. (approx 875ft) We also want a barrier between the traffic and the pedestrians. We have a design of posts and a rope fence in mind. It would be economical and form a safety barrier for the pedestrians, while maintaining an aesthetically appropriate beach friendly appearance.
We all want to co-operate with the cities plans for the future, and understand some of the problems created by growth. Please take this opportunity to help mitigate a problem created by city staff. Feel free to contact me at any time if you have concerns that need to be addressed. We look forward to helping the cities public works department in completing the sidewalk project in any way we can. Time is of the essence; the summer season is upon us. Your help and attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.
In addition, we are requesting written notification to any meetings or discussions of modifications to the current beach access plan.
Sincerely,
Tom Empey
President
Sunny Beach Neighborhood Association
11221 Bernice Drive
Galveston, TX 77554
409-741-2455
713-410-9672 (mobile)
tempey@houston.rr.com
Cc:
Dianna D. Puccetti
Steve LeBlanc
Brandon Wade
Jerry Mohn
Honorable Bryan Lamb
Ray Newby, GLO
Wendy O’Donohoe
June 19th Planning Meeting for Marquette Project
Letters came out for the next Planning Commission meeting for the rezoning of the property to the west of us. June 19, 2007 4pm City Council Chambers second floor of City Hall. Let me know if you did NOT get two letters.
Also, if you want to hear and see the information on the development this Saturday (June 16) West Galveston Island Property Owners Association is meeting at the Galveston Country Club beginning at 9:00 AM. The meeting will include:
80th Legislative Session update
City Council report
Windstorm Insurance
Innovative beach stabilization technology
Marquette Companies presentation of the "Preserve at West Beach"
Marquette would like a letter from our subdivision supporting this project, in return they will include us with any protection project they do. What are your thoughts on this? What I mean by include ... is they will let us know what they are doing and we can benefit from their research and perhaps surveying information. It looks like this project will happen, and we can perhaps benefit from it.
Let's hear some comments ...
Also, if you want to hear and see the information on the development this Saturday (June 16) West Galveston Island Property Owners Association is meeting at the Galveston Country Club beginning at 9:00 AM. The meeting will include:
80th Legislative Session update
City Council report
Windstorm Insurance
Innovative beach stabilization technology
Marquette Companies presentation of the "Preserve at West Beach"
Marquette would like a letter from our subdivision supporting this project, in return they will include us with any protection project they do. What are your thoughts on this? What I mean by include ... is they will let us know what they are doing and we can benefit from their research and perhaps surveying information. It looks like this project will happen, and we can perhaps benefit from it.
Let's hear some comments ...
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Marquette Group Rezoning Meetings
I'm exhausted from going to meetings!
Monday - Kathe Giebelhaus, Bill Husemann, Gerri Empey, Tom Empey attended a presentation of the master community plan that the Marquette Group is proposing. The questions got heated with some of the people attending. See the article in the Galveston Daily News (Tuesday edition).
Tuesday - 2pm I went to a Task Force meeting with people from Spansih Grant, Burmuda Beach and a couple other subdivisions, Jerry Mohn and, Darren Sloniger who is the Managing Director of the Marquette Land Investements, LLC. At this meeting it was discussed that if or when they put in some sort of sand sock or tube that the properties on the end of these become more vulnerable to increased errosion. At this meeting it was asked of them to please involve or at least let the subdivisions know what they are planning and see if it's feasible to piggy back with them. Tom and I both met Darren Sloniger and have his contact information.
After the meeting I spoke with Darren and they will NOT access 8 mile road from the subdivision west of 8 mile. Also, he said they are going to own where the water tower is being taken out. And I just want to make sure everyone is aware, and understands, that along 3005 on the back row of this subdivision they will have midrises and multi-family units.
Tuesday - 4pm The City of Galveston Zoning meeting. Again if you go to the Galveston Daily News (Wednesday edition) you can read about what happened at that meeting. It has been tabled for two weeks to get some more information. Things that were brought up: Traffic, evacuation,Insurance rates, increased possibility of the island splitting if there are more cuts and digging, only one subdivision backed them up.
*** This is a 20 year plan for this project, the first phase will be on the north side of 3005 and west of 8 mile road (across the street from the Gaff Top) ***
In that 20 year period the city will have to make changes in the infrastructure anyway. I'm sure it will go through, they might be able to ... perhaps not allow the highrise on 11 mile road, but I would think everything else will go forward as planned.
A lot of people spoke at both the Monday meeting and the zoning meeting on Tuesday and although they need more time to think about it, the Marquette group is being very thoughtful and helpful working with the city and citizens to make this a partnership. They have set a lot of land aside for "Preserve" uplands and lowlands and have really been trying to come in and make this a planned community instead of just chopping it up and selling it off.
That's what I think anyway ...
Any questions or comments, let me know.
Monday - Kathe Giebelhaus, Bill Husemann, Gerri Empey, Tom Empey attended a presentation of the master community plan that the Marquette Group is proposing. The questions got heated with some of the people attending. See the article in the Galveston Daily News (Tuesday edition).
Tuesday - 2pm I went to a Task Force meeting with people from Spansih Grant, Burmuda Beach and a couple other subdivisions, Jerry Mohn and, Darren Sloniger who is the Managing Director of the Marquette Land Investements, LLC. At this meeting it was discussed that if or when they put in some sort of sand sock or tube that the properties on the end of these become more vulnerable to increased errosion. At this meeting it was asked of them to please involve or at least let the subdivisions know what they are planning and see if it's feasible to piggy back with them. Tom and I both met Darren Sloniger and have his contact information.
After the meeting I spoke with Darren and they will NOT access 8 mile road from the subdivision west of 8 mile. Also, he said they are going to own where the water tower is being taken out. And I just want to make sure everyone is aware, and understands, that along 3005 on the back row of this subdivision they will have midrises and multi-family units.
Tuesday - 4pm The City of Galveston Zoning meeting. Again if you go to the Galveston Daily News (Wednesday edition) you can read about what happened at that meeting. It has been tabled for two weeks to get some more information. Things that were brought up: Traffic, evacuation,Insurance rates, increased possibility of the island splitting if there are more cuts and digging, only one subdivision backed them up.
*** This is a 20 year plan for this project, the first phase will be on the north side of 3005 and west of 8 mile road (across the street from the Gaff Top) ***
In that 20 year period the city will have to make changes in the infrastructure anyway. I'm sure it will go through, they might be able to ... perhaps not allow the highrise on 11 mile road, but I would think everything else will go forward as planned.
A lot of people spoke at both the Monday meeting and the zoning meeting on Tuesday and although they need more time to think about it, the Marquette group is being very thoughtful and helpful working with the city and citizens to make this a partnership. They have set a lot of land aside for "Preserve" uplands and lowlands and have really been trying to come in and make this a planned community instead of just chopping it up and selling it off.
That's what I think anyway ...
Any questions or comments, let me know.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
New Development
As many of you know, there is a new development coming to the island. It will occupy 1045 acres. and will start at eight mile road. It has been a busy week keeping up with all the meetings. Please watch the blog. We will update as we can to keep everything as up to date as possible.
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