In a special council meeting held early this morning, community members voiced strong opposition to a proposed amendment that would remove a 1,000-foot restricted use area at beach access point 1C. The meeting was called after a previous council session ended in a deadlock over the issue, prompting Mayor Teejen to seek clarity from the General Land Office (GLO) regarding the potential for amendments without the controversial removal.

Seth Jones, a local resident, presented approximately 800 objection letters and emphasized the need for the council to prioritize community interests over developer profits. He argued that the proposed changes would disregard the voices of residents who have utilized the beach access for over two decades. Jones urged the council to maintain the current restrictions, citing a lack of legal obligation to proceed with the removal.

Virgie Greb, another resident, highlighted the accessibility issues that would arise from relocating the special use area to a less suitable location, which lacks necessary amenities and poses safety risks. She criticized the decision as prioritizing development over equitable access to public spaces, particularly for individuals with disabilities.

Carol Holloway, a long-time Galveston resident, expressed her discontent with the council's reference to past committee work, suggesting it was being misused to justify the proposed changes. She called for adherence to existing building regulations and warned against offering special favors to developers who fail to comply with coastal construction standards.

The meeting also saw concerns raised about the influence of the Margaritaville development on the proposed amendments. Residents questioned the motivations behind the changes, suggesting they cater to developer interests at the expense of public access and environmental integrity.

As the council deliberates on the future of the beach access area, community members remain vigilant, advocating for transparency and accountability in decisions that will impact the accessibility and ecological health of Galveston's coastline.