Appeals court rules beaches act unconstitutional <\/p>\n
With Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, the federal appeals court has made a big ruling on Galveston's beaches. <\/p>\n
\"This is the death knell for the Texas Open Beaches Act,\" said Jerry Patterson, Texas Land Commissioner. \"This is not a good day for Texas.\" <\/p>\n
Patterson said he disagrees with the federal appeals court ruling that the Texas Open Beaches Act is unconstitutional. <\/p>\n
The ruling means that Galveston Island's west end beaches are now private and not open to the public. <\/p>\n
This all started after Hurricane Ike eroded the beach, pushing the vegetation line -- the marker between public and private land -- up against homes. <\/p>\n
Galveston waterfront property owner Carol Severance took it to court. She wanted the beach private, since it's so close to her home. <\/p>\n
\"If these people own this property, it should be their beach,\" beachgoer John Steed said. \"Everything else not by homes should be open to the public.\" <\/p>\n
Other beachgoers disagree. <\/p>\n
\"Are they going to fence off the beach? Because everyone walks the beach,\" beachgoer Judy Martin said. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
See the original post: <\/p>\n
Appeals court rules against Open Beaches Act<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Appeals court rules beaches act unconstitutional With Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, the federal appeals court has made a big ruling on Galveston's beaches. \"This is the death knell for the Texas Open Beaches Act,\" said Jerry Patterson, Texas Land Commissioner Continue reading