Aug. 13, 2007 - Galveston Seawall Parking Debate

For many years a debate has been sparking controversy in Galveston, Texas.  Should we have to pay to park on our beloved Seawall?  This issue is a constant in our local paper.  For YEARS this has been a topic of discussion.

Our seawall is a great place for locals and tourists.  The local point of view is obvious.  Why should we have to pay when we live here and pay taxes in our community?  Locals use their seawall daily for running, walking, etc.  This would cost a fortune for many residents. 

The flip side is that we could use to money to create a more attractive seawall.  We could incorporate showers and bathrooms right at the seawall (many argue this is not reasonably possible).  We could offer locals a pass that could be purchased for a reasonable price.

I am not really sure how I feel regarding this issue.  I think both sides have wonderful points.  I think it could be both a benefit to the city and an annoyance to our current residences. 

What do you think?  How would you feel if this was your community?  Other areas in our country are faced with local parking issues that we have never experienced.  Would love to hear various opinions.  Any decision that involves Galveston's growth both physically and financially effects Galveston Tx real estate.

Thanks for your time.

Christina Stevens

Aug. 15, 2007 - re: Galveston Seawall Parking Debate

Aug. 18, 2007 - re: Galveston Seawall Parking Debate

Thank for your time and comment Jack.  I agree with you but do also see some of the other sides points.  I do think the reason the the city  is contemplating a charge is due to the cost that they incur with seawall upkeep.  We do have East Beach which generates revenue for the city.  We also have state beach parks that must charge for entry in an effort to generate the revenue for maintenance. I have not seen financials on what is allotted for upkeep or improvement making opinion one I have chosen not to completely form .  

Often  our beach visitors degrade and take advantage of our states landmark.  A large percentage of the city revenue goes to upkeep.  I would love to see the Seawall improved but not at a cost to residences (or visitors).  I have visited beaches in California where parking is a huge cost.  They do have parking areas but often the limited parking is full so the beach patron is charged a $10 plus dollar fee just to park.  I don't want to see this happen.  I will say that the benefits to this fee just in California alone was noticeable.  They have showers, bathrooms, and recreation areas.  Something that will be a huge cost to Galveston yet a huge benefit to our beaches.  I am still on the fence about this issue.  I do know that I am very opposed to our local citizens and tax payers incurring additional costs.  We already pay city taxes.  We should not have to pay to improve a beach that is used by many visitors who have little regard for our environment.  Many beach side residence are tortured with the disregard for their beachfront homes.  Homes that provide property taxes used for the upkeep of the beaches allowing visitors to enjoy our island for free each and every year.  During large events held in Galveston often visitors have urinated in home owners yards due to the lack of beach side restrooms.  Littering of private property has been a very specific problem.  It is a complex issue that I hope is examined carefully.  My position would have to be that a cost is opposed yet I understand often needed if no other solution is available.  Improvement sometimes comes at a cost which in turn could generate a better economy for Galveston Island.  I hate to see the cost come out of our pockets.  I would love the city to research other options.