Residents urge delay on Galveston development vote

Residents in the vicinity of Jamaica Beach are calling on the Galveston City Council to postpone a decision regarding a proposed 170-acre development until after the runoff election scheduled for next month.

The project, known as Discovery Sands, will be located within the city limits of Galveston, just beyond the boundaries of Jamaica Beach. Plans are underway to develop hundreds of housing units, featuring resort-style amenities such as a lagoon pool and a lazy river.

Residents have voiced concerns about the potential effects of the project on wetlands, wildlife, and traffic in the west end of the island.

The City Council plans to review the proposal on May 28; however, several community members argue that the timing is premature. Two council seats will proceed to a runoff election on June 13, following the May 2 vote in which no candidate achieved a majority.

“Ultimately, there is no urgency that justifies rushing a decision like this before the council is fully settled and informed,” stated Jamaica Beach resident Heather Owens.

Residents argue that postponing the vote would enable newly elected council members to contribute their perspectives on a project they characterize as significant and long-term.

Brandon McDermott, a member of the Jamaica Beach city council, expressed his views, stating, “If the idea was to wait ’til the new council is seated, they should wait ’til the entire new council is seated.” “Casting votes prior to the potential election of those individuals appears somewhat hasty.”

The proposed development has received support from Blackard Companies, which has announced the completion of staff reviews and the incorporation of feedback gathered from public input.

“We have undergone a thorough staff review, engaged in extensive public input, and experienced a deferral at the Planning Commission to make adjustments based on that feedback,” stated Jed Rollins, executive vice president of the company. “No matter the date determined by the council, we will be prepared.”

Rollins stated that the developer has made efforts to connect with nearby homeowners and is receptive to ongoing discussions.

Owens expressed that her concerns are not centered on development as a whole, but rather on the extent of the proposed changes, which include higher building height limits and broader land-use allowances.

“Granting extensive exemptions to an out-of-town developer sends a clear signal to the nation for other developers,” she stated.

City officials have announced that the decision to proceed with the May vote or to delay it until after the runoff election will rest with the council.

Residents advocating a postponement contend that a delay until June would more accurately reflect the electorate's intentions.

“Discovery Sands represents a long-term, irreversible decision,” stated Owens. The timing of the vote must align with the sentiments of the constituents involved.