Texas Coastlines May Remain Unbuilt

In parts of Texas, state officials and local communities are in a tug-of-war over post-Ike coastline rebuilding efforts.

1 minute read

September 18, 2008, 6:00 AM PDT

By Judy Chang


"Where someone can build along the Gulf has been a war of ideology and values for years. The debate, however, intensified a few months ago after [state land commissioner Jerry] Patterson, who oversees the state's beaches, proposed new restrictions on coastline construction."

"But public officials from Galveston and other coastal communities blasted the proposal, saying the rules represented a land grab by the state.

In a written response to the proposed rules, the Gilchrist Community Association asked the state: 'How can a community exist without new construction?'

Patterson said the desires of those with beach property and blueprints should be considered, but nature is taking away the land through erosion, not the state."

Monday, September 15, 2008 in The Houston Chronicle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog