During a recent city council meeting, discussions centered on a beach and dune permit for the construction of a six-foot-wide ADA-compliant dune walkover at 6300 Padre Boulevard, specifically for the Bahia Mar Condominiums. Christina Baberca, the shoreline director, presented the proposal, which involves the potential adverse impact on 35 cubic yards of sand and 846 square feet of dune vegetation.

To address these impacts, the project includes mitigation measures for 444 square feet of dune vegetation and compensation for an additional 408 square feet at the line of vegetation. Baberca recommended that mitigation efforts be conducted at the northern beach access point instead of the southern one, where the ramp is proposed. This recommendation is based on the area's susceptibility to erosion.

Council members inquired about the distance between the two beach access points, which is approximately 70 feet. The northern access point will remain unchanged, while the southern access will feature the new ADA ramp, designed to switch back and extend out towards the beach.

The council's discussions highlighted the importance of balancing development with environmental preservation, particularly in areas vulnerable to erosion and storm impacts. The meeting underscored the city's commitment to ensuring accessibility while also protecting its natural coastal resources.