Galveston Island

Just click on the picture to see a larger version.  These are just a few of many examples of violations of the Texas Open Beaches Act that exist on Galveston Island.  With assistance from the public, TOBA can and will reverse this trend!

As many of you already know, the City of Galveston has systematically closed portions of the beaches on the island over the past several years in order to accomodate beachfront development, and at the expense of open beach access.   In the last 25 years, we have seen over 17 miles of open beach disappear.

There was a half-hearted attempt to placate the beachgoers by building so-called "pocket parks".  Two of the three pocket parks are now closed, resulting in very little public access to the beaches.

Now, only 3.2 miles on the far west end of the island are open to public access in compliance with the Texas Open Beaches Act.

The state is now requiring that the city show a plan to comply with the Act or face the possibility of losing revenue.

There are currently three developments pending on the East End, with absolutely no provision for beach access, in violation of the Open Beaches Act. 

The West Galveston Island Property Owners Association (WGIPOA), begun a short time ago ostensibly to protect the interests of west end landowners, submitted a proposal which calls for eliminating vehicular access on the final 3.2 miles of open beach on Galveston Island.  (See the Chronology of Events that shaped by WGIPOA/PPOA and what they are about)

Mr. Pat Dugan, a member of the WGIPOA (and a Government Liaison for the association) has proposed donating approximately 200 acres of his holdings on the west end to be used as a "nature park".  Unsaid is the desire that vehicular traffic be eliminated from the beaches as a quid pro quo, which he plans to develop or have developed.  The far west end borders on San Luis Pass, long considered to be one of the most dangerous tidal flows on the Gulf coast.  The plan to make this a park has since been scrapped by Mr. Dugan in favor of a plan which is likely much more lucrative for him.  A deal with Centex is now in the works to create a high dollar resort complex on the property.

Because of this threat to your rights to access the public beach right of way, we are inclined to force the City of Galveston to comply fully   for the entire area of beach on the island under the control of the city.  In other words, they have aroused a sleeping giant...the huge majority of Texans who know that we own the right to access the beaches...and we won't be denied that right!

According to the law, any current access that is restricted must be replaced by equal or better access.  What better access can there be than total open, including vehicular, access?  Anything less causes the city to not only violate the letter and the spirit of the Texas Open Beaches Act, but it also causes the city to violate the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), a federal law.

Let the elected officials know how you feel!  We have a good list of addresses for people that are in a position to make a difference at www.texasopenbeaches.org/contacts.htm.   We urge you to write or call them.

Study the word document that chronicles the beginnings of the West Galveston Island Property Owners Association and the influences that are shaping policy.  See how they do NOT necessarily represent your best interests as a west end property owner.  Document.