A Disappointment, but not a Defeat

2/6/09

Hi all,

We're writing you as co-founders of Coastal Community Watch. Today we received news that the MS Supreme Court overturned two appeals court judgments and decided on behalf of Hancock County in the matter of the C-4 zoning dispute in Bayou Caddy.

To recap, several residents of Clermont Harbor fought this 2005 rezoning because it allowed for unlimited height and density development on tidal marshland near family neighborhoods in the Bayou Caddy area. 800 of you banded together to support the zoning appeal, understanding that unbridled development there will also have a great impact on residents in Bay St. Louis and Waveland. After 31/2 years, it's come to a conclusion.

The decision was 8-1, yet we remain convinced that our arguments were valid - we wouldn't have won twice in the MS Court of Appeals otherwise.

Most of you have been loyal CCW supporters, realizing that our way of life is at stake. Thank you. While the final legal decision is disappointing, it doesn't represent defeat. Here's why:

1. The appeal process gave us time to educate ourselves. Since the storm, we've learned the benefits of careful planning - with the help of some of the best architects and planners in the country. We know that things like traffic feasibility studies and environmental impact reports need to be considered before sweeping zoning decisions are made.

2. We can apply that knowledge in the new Hancock County Comprehensive Plan. The draft offers many better alternatives to the slated C-4 zoning - which is open to "unlimited height and density." And residents of Clermont Harbor, Waveland and Bay St. Louis can demand that studies be performed before any development in the Bayou Caddy area begins.

3. High rise condos have become like Pet Rocks. No one wants them anymore. Meanwhile, low-scale developments that are family and small business oriented are booming in places like Lafayette, LA. The style is called New Urbanism and it's HOT. Hopefully, we can attract that sort of development now - it's much more compatible with Hancock County heritage and lifestyle.

4. Thus far, we've escaped the fiasco of abandoned large-scale projects. In Hancock County's future undertakings, we'll go forward with the knowledge gleaned from other communities along the coast.

5. We've learned that trying to amend decisions is much more difficult than participating in local government all along. As a community, we understand more about how zoning decisions can affect our quality of life. More of us are now active in the public planning process.

What have we learned personally? We've noticed that someone who stands to profit from a zoning change is usually very, very energetic. Those of us who have only something to lose by a zoning change have less ambition. We can't quite imagine what that loss will mean until it happens. That lack of imagination sometimes makes us complacent.

Let's imagine a community where we understand that we ARE the government - the officials are our representatives. Letters to them become important, because we know they'll have an impact. Attending a meeting and speaking up can sway a decision. A phone call to a neighbor can start a chain reaction of participation.

That's the sort of Hancock County we can be proud to call home.

Thank you again for your continuing support of the Coastal Community Watch mission: Increasing community participation in local government.

Ellis Anderson
Lori Gordon

Winners Again!

Last week the entire Mississippi Court of Appeals affirmed an earlier decision to overturn Hancock County's zoning in the Bayou Caddy area - one that would have allowed unlimited height and density development.

The appellants, supported in their case by CCW, were represented by attorney Robert Wiygul. Mr. Wiygul says that the county still has the option to appeal to the MS. Supreme Court , but it’s very rare for those appeals to be granted.

"The county has used the legal equivalent of a "Hail-Mary" pass," he said. "Now it’s time for them to move on, listen to the voice of the public and make zoning decisions that protect our resources and heritage. "

A Golden Opportunity

This is the perfect opportunity for the county to toss the C-4 zoning into the "circular file." To allow unlimited height and density anywhere just doesn't make sense. Besides, the new county comp plan in the works can be the basis for intelligent zoning in the Bayou Caddy/Lakeshore area - something more in keeping with our other family-oriented communities on the Hancock coast.

Mega-development in Bayou Caddy/Clermont Harbor and Lakeshore will impact the residents of Waveland and Bay St. Louis. We deserve to know how our quality of life will be affected - after all, city residents are also county residents and pay county taxes. Now the county has a great chance to address the resident's concerns and order infrastructure, crime, environmental and traffic feasibility studies before any new zoning on the Hancock coast is undertaken.

Citizens will have the perfect chance to ask for those studies and make suggestions at an upcoming meeting this Thursday evening (June 26th) at 6pm. This is a formal public hearing on the county's new comprehensive plan - the document that will guide all future zoning in the county. It will be held at the Hancock County Complex, trailer 15. at 3068 Longfellow Dr. in Bay St. Louis. We realize that it's short notice, but we were just notified of the meeting Monday afternoon (23rd). Your comments will be entered into the record and will carry great weight.

Most of us want the same things: Development that meshes with our heritage and family values. Prosperity AND quality of life. A beach road that's not wall-to-wall traffic 24 hours a day. A safe place and healthy environment for our kids and grandkids. A place we're all proud to call home. But those things won't happen without YOUR voice. See you at the meeting!

Reilly Morse and Robert Wiygul, are the two attorneys who worked on the C-4 zoning appeal that's been on-going for over three years. Click here to read why the appeal is so important to residents of Bay St. Louis and Waveland.

Comp Plan Cooperation

To all Bay St. Louis and Waveland members:

Why is commenting on the Hancock County Comprehensive Plan so vital?

The plan contains many things that will affect residents of the county AND both cities. One issue at stake is future land use for the Bayou Caddy area. Proposed zoning could permit multiple high-rise structures, multiple casino complexes, shopping facilities and golf courses - in short, a Vegas style resort.

How would this mega-resort district affect residents in the two cities?

One of the biggest concerns voiced by residents is traffic on Beach Blvd. The county has performed no traffic feasibility study. The only current proposal for handling the thousands of additional cars and trucks per day is to 4-lane Lakeshore, although there is talk of adding an exit from I-10 leading directly to the area. The implications are obvious. Beach Blvd. could become a major traffic artery.

Other major concerns are infrastructure costs to current residents, increased crime and loss of character.

What are possible solutions?

1. Residents and officials of Bay St. Louis and Waveland need to be fully apprised of the county's plans and understand the impacts on our property values and quality of life.

2. Our own Aldermen and City Councilmen should meet with the Supervisors to discuss potential impacts posed by a mega resort development.

3. Our city residents and officials need to insist on independent feasibility studies before any future zoning/planning is undertaken. Zoning changes that have such far reaching impact should be made with as much public input as possible. One recent zoning change put into place by the Supervisors caught many by surprise (click here for follow-up article on 5/2). (Final follow up article on 5/7). None of us needs any more surprises at this point.

Do property owners and residents of Waveland and Bay St. Louis have influence with County plans?

Yes! Citizens of the cities are ALSO citizens of the county. And a major portion of the county's tax money comes from the two cities.

DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS ON THE PLAN IS MAY 30th!!

Here's a sample comment. You can copy and paste onto a new e-mail, sign your name and address and e-mail to: compplan@grpc.com

Dear Supervisors,

As a resident of ...................., I urge you to discuss zoning and development plans that may impact the residents of Bay St. Louis and Waveland with citizens and local officials of those cities.

We also request that independent feasibility studies be immediately undertaken for traffic, infrastructure, environment and crime, so that the cities can have full understandings of the impact that major development/rezoning in the Bayou Caddy/Lakeshore area would have on the cities.

I ask that you carefully consider facts from those feasibility studies and input from city officials and residents before making decisions on future land use for the County's stretch of coastline.
We would like to see a cohesive vision for the Hancock Coast, one that is backed by all three governing bodies, one that will complement our heritage, enhance our coast and bring long-term prosperity for all.

Sincerely, Name and Address


Keep in mind, many of the issues covered in the plan will never come up for a vote. Commenting on the new County Comprehensive plan is our best - and perhaps our only - opportunity for public input. Whatever your personal feelings on the proposed resort "city" in the Bayou Caddy area or other aspects of the plan, we can all agree that intergovernmental communication, research and planning are imperative for future prosperity.

Click here for an eye-opening refresher on the 3-year zoning controversy in the Bayou Caddy/Lakeshore area.

Critical BSL meetings!

rendering of a development in another city - would you like to see something like this in BSL?

Update 3/20/08: Almost 200 people attended the series of Ward meetings. Here's the link to a Sea Coast Echo article on the meetings:

"Residents: No more casinos or high-rises"

If you haven't sent in your written comments yet, the window is closing fast. See easy directions below.

Voice your vision

The new comprehensive plan tackles tough issues like height, density in neighborhoods, zoning and economic diversity. This is your chance to have a say in the future of Bay St. Louis.

Participation is easy!

1. Read: These "Cliff's notes" versions of the plan are fast and fascinating reads - click on the names to access them: Highlights, Part One and Highlights, Part Two. Click here for a short explanation of how the comp plan process works and why your participation is so important. The entire plan is available on the Hancock Chamber site in PDF format (click here to access). Hard copies are available at the City Council Chambers (behind the Shell station at Main St. and Hwy. 90).

2. Comment! Click here for easy directions on how to e-mail, drop off or mail your comments, questions and ideas to the City Council. Written comments are EXTREMELY important. They go "into the record" and will be given to each member of the City Council.

The future is in our hands. Take this chance to help shape it!

For commentary and more details of the plan, click here!

Waveland Marina?

The Waveland Community Coalition sponsored a meeting last week regarding the proposed Waveland Marina. The thought-provoking forum provided a respectful, orderly atmosphere where both proponents and opponents and the just plain curious exchanged ideas.

Click here for a Seacoast Echo article about the meeting....

Charlie Cornelius, president of WCC, (the group that's working to facilitate public awareness about the proposed project), says the meeting made clear that the first step is to decide if Waveland citizens want a feasibility study to give a factual basis for either pro or con positions. The decision regarding a feasibility study is currently in the hands of the board of Alderman.

If you'd like to mail your comments to the Waveland Community Coalition, they'll deliver them to the appropriate officials. Send them to: WCC, POBox 731, Waveland, MS. 39576.

E-mails may be sent to the Mayor's Office at: mayorsoffice@mchsi.com. You may also copy them to: COASTALVIEWTV@aol.com. Owner of Coastal View TV (95), Gary Catalano, has plans to interview Mayor Longo and present any questions sent in Waveland citizens.

Insurance Crisis Saga Continues

Action Alert!

Nationwide, stories about the insurance crisis appear almost daily. Even residents in New England are being affected by skyrocketing rates and vanishing coverage. On the Mississipppi Gulf Coast, many believe that ultimate recovery is impossible without insurance relief. Horror stories abound: One large corporation here had coverage that went from $650,000 a year to over $6 MILLION a year. Homeowners and small businesses are being squeezed out with budget busting rates, even for non-storm related risks like fire and liability. The crisis is a national one - most Americans live within 50 miles of a coastline. Even those who live in the country's heartland are affected when the economy in coastal areas suffer.

You can take simple action to turn this around. Whatever state you reside in, write your senators today and urge them to support the Multiple Peril Insurance to provide one common sense policy for both wind and flood. Click here to go to the U.S. Senate website. Once there, simply select your state and the contact information for your senators will appear. Urge them to support insurance reform and Multi-Peril coverage.

With strong bi-partisan support in September 2007, Mississippi Congressman Gene Taylor’s Multiple Peril Insurance policy passed the U.S.House of Representatives in a 263-146 vote. The measure now awaits action in the U.S. Senate. Click here to read more about the bill and why its passage is crucial to the well-being of the entire country.

Drop your senators a note now. Pass this along to your own mailing lists. With just a few minutes of your time, you can make "One nation, indivisible..." more than just a line in a pledge.

Rep. Gene Taylor with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi
at a Town Hall Meeting on Insurance in Bay St. Louis, MS (8/07)
Click here to watch riveting testimony
from the meeting...

Keeping the Coast for Our Kids!

Mississippi High Court Decides
Future of Hancock Coast

update - 6/20/08 - The MS Court of Appeals has upheld the decision below, declining to rehear the case. Read more here...


update - 12/20/07 - It's not over yet. The Hancock County Board of Supervisors has filed a motion to asking the Supreme Court to reconsider the decision of the high court of appeals. We'll post more here as soon information is available.

The Verdict Is In!

"The Board of Supervisors has failed to meet its burden of proof. Since the Board of Supervisors has failed to prove by clear and convincing evidence that there has been a substantial change in the character of the thousand acre property at issue, we must reverse the decision of the Board of Supervisors." To access a PDF of the entire ruling, click here.

To read a WLOX article about the ruling, click here.

To read some member comments on the good news, click here.

To read what positive impacts this could have for the Hancock Community, click here.

Reilly Morse (l.) and Robert Wiygul
the two attorneys who came up with a win for the residents of Hancock County -
the culmination of over two years of work.

The Background of the Case

In May 2005 – just a few months before Katrina - the Hancock County (MS) Board of Supervisors rezoned 1,100 acres of critical coastal wetlands around Bayou Caddy to permit large-scale commercial development, without height or density restrictions. The Board took this unprecedented action to enable construction of a high-rise resort “city.”

This “city” would contain 10,000 condo units in multiple high-rise buildings - the tallest of which would be 450 feet. A golf course and at least one other casino are also proposed for this area of protective coastal wetlands.

Renderings of high-rises planned for the Bayou Caddy area
from developers’ promotional material


The Supervisors voted 4-1 in favor of the zoning change, despite the opposition of a standing-room-only crowd of citizens. Three days later, the Hancock Planning and Zoning board gave site plan approval to several high-rise developments. A news report later revealed that one enterprising company had actually advertised and taken reservations for one of the high-rise developments – while the public hearings on the zoning change were taking place!

Ten days after the zoning vote, a group of residents from the area filed an appeal. They were supported in this appeal by Coastal Community Watch, whose members favor “Smart Growth.” The county was joined in its defense of the zoning change by two developers and their attorneys - Paradise Properties and Kudos Developers.

Oral arguments on the appeal were presented to the Mississippi Supreme Court on July 31, 2007. To read the residents’ arguments to the court, click here. To read highlights from the appeal, click here. November 6, 2007, The Justices decided in favor of the residents.

Why is this ruling so important?

How the zoning would impact
Waveland and Bay St. Louis...

The only plans to handle this enormous amount of traffic are the 4-laning of Lakeshore Road. It seems inevitable that vehicles headed east will use the Beach Road. Double-click on maps to enlarge.




Local concerns are many and remain unanswered:

1. While efforts are underway in Louisiana to restore coastal wetlands for hurricane protection, why are Mississippi wetlands - vital to our Katrina ravaged coast - being considered for high-density development?

2. How would the beach road handle the traffic of 10,000 residents living in the resort district, in addition to day-traffic to the casinos?

3. What are the potential ramifications to the cities of family-oriented communities of Waveland and Bay St. Louis regarding crime, insurance costs, property tax increases and community character?

4. What infrastructure costs would residents be required to bear?

What's Next?

No one knows yet. But this court ruling proves that citizen involvement WORKS. Here's how you can help.

The new Hancock Comprehensive Plan is in the works and will decide the ultimate fate of our coastline. Now is the time to encourage the Supervisors to use smart planning that will enhance our quality of life and protect our coastal wetlands for future generations. It just takes a few moments of your time.

Take Action Now!
Deadline for Comp plan comments is May 16th!

Write your Supervisors today! You can use the sample letter below (by cutting and pasting) or write your own.


Dear Supervisors,

As a resident of ...................., I urge you to discuss zoning and development plans that may impact the residents of Bay St. Louis and Waveland with citizens and local officials of those cities. We also request that feasibility studies be immediately undertaken for traffic, infrastructure, environment and crime, so that the cities can have full understandings of the impact that major development/rezoning in the Bayou Caddy/Lakeshore area would have on the cities.

I ask that you carefully consider facts from those feasibility studies and input from city officials and residents before making decisions on future land use for the County's stretch of coastline. We would like to see a cohesive vision for the Hancock Coast - one that will complement our heritage, enhance our coast and bring long-term prosperity for all.

Sincerely,

Name and Address

Before May 16th
Send e-mails to:
compplan@grpc.com

Or mail them to: Jeff Loftus, Gulf Regional Planning Commission, 1232 Pass Road, Gulfport, MS 39501

copies of original letters may also be sent to the Sea Coast Echo at:
gbelcher@seacoastecho.com

and the Sun Herald at:
letters@sunherald.com

Then pass the word to your friends and neighbors!

“Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world." Margaret Mead

Recently, (SeaCoast Echo, June 6, 2007) , the Hancock Board of Supervisors turned down a zoning change that would have allowed for a large development on the Jourdan River. The plans called for moderate height condos with a marina and shopping strip. Apparently the development would have required no wetlands filling. This seems to indicate that officials are now taking a common-sense approach to large-scale development. The Echo article quoted comments from Supervisors:

David Yarborough, District One Supervisor: “I don’t think we ought to stop development in Hancock County, I just think we need to do it right.”

Jay Cuevas, District 5 Supervisor: “This is a great development, but I feel it is just not compatible for the area.”

Rocky Pullman, Supervisor District 2 suggested there be further evaluation of how the zoning change would effect the surrounding area and waterways.

Since the storm, our officials have had the opportunity to work with nationally known planners from the Governor’s Commission. We all have a greater awareness of the impacts of large scale developments. As Coast residents, we’ve also learned more about the crucial role coastal wetlands play in hurricane protection.


click on "Comments" below to leave your own, post your letter to the Supervisors or read comments from other members

Action Alert on Bayou Caddy wetlands fill

double-click on any image below to enlarge

There's an illegal wetlands fill in the Bayou Caddy area. Click here to read the whole story. Now the developer has applied for something called an "after the fact" permit, asking the Corps to overlook the violation.

The Corps relies heavily on public comment. If they receive lots of letters, they'll be less likely to "forgive and forget." Gulf Restoration Network has set up an Action Alert, so with just a few moments of your time, you can send comments through their site with a form letter. Better yet, use their site to write and e-mail your own original letter. Click here to go directly to their action page. The deadline for comments is Jan. 17th.

update, 4/25: Mississippi Department of Marine Resources has apparently issued the permit. The Corps of Engineers still has the matter under consideration. Thanks to all who sent comments!

"Unacceptable adverse impacts..."

- letter from the EPA to the Corps of Engineers, 10/2000

When the Corps receives an application to fill wetlands, other agencies can choose to comment. The EPA did just that in 2000, when a developer wanted to fill tidal wetlands in Bayou Caddy to expand a seafood operation. Even though the proposed activity needed to be near the water (water dependent), the EPA - along with the National Marine Fisheries Service - advised against the fill. Here's a quote from the EPA letter:

"EPA is opposed to issuance of a permit for this project as it is currently described... EPA finds this project will have substantial and unacceptable adverse impacts on aquatic resources of national importance."

The Corps issued the permit in 2000 anyway, apparently using the justification that a seafood operation was water-dependent. Long after the permit expired, the wetlands were filled, no promised mitigation occurred and the developer now wants to put high-rise condos on the site.

High-rises aren't water dependent. The Corps should demand restoration of the site and refuse to even consider another permit. Now, they may actually approve an "after-the-fact" permit, against the sound advice of other federal agencies. This will set a dangerous precedent - how can the Corps deny any other developers if they approve this one?

After the storm, we who live here on the coast were promised by the Governor's Commission that in the rebuilding and planning process "the most important input must be that of the residents themselves." . In various public forums that sought input from citizens, wetlands preservation has consistently been a top priority. The Corps must accept input from various local governmental and corporate sources, but they need to remember this charge by the Commission.

It takes only a few moments to send your comments. Click on the link below to send a form letter to the Corps and other public officials. Pass this along to friends. Make some phone calls. If you have time, write an original letter with personal comments. We have one shot and the window's closing fast. If this permit is approved more than a few acres will be lost - all of our wetlands will be at greater risk of disappearing forever. Take action now by clicking here!

It's a few acres of wetlands.
Why are they so important?

1. These are coastal wetlands. They're irreplaceable as our surge protection and for marine life nurseries. Mississippi doesn't have many such wetlands left. Mitigation is meaningless if it can't replace an extremely limited resource.

2. If the Corps approves this permit or negotiates, it sends a clear message to other developers: Better to ask forgiveness than ask permission. Click here to read how other Hancock wetlands have been damaged by that mind-set.

3. In the recently publicized Corps Coastal Improvement Plan, the available maps seem to show the Bayou Caddy area as a "Potential Ecosystem Restoration Site," not as a site for high rises. While one department of the Corps recommends restoration, should another grant a permit to fill for high density development?

in this copy of a Corps map, #5 appears to be the Bayou Caddy area

4. The Corps is spending billions in Louisiana to restore coastal wetlands for surge protection. Should they give permission to fill ours?

5. In the original permit application, the wetlands fill site was supposed to be used for a seafood operation, not a luxury high-rise complex (obviously a non-water-dependent activity). The construction of high-rise towers does not require wetlands destruction.

the drawing submitted with the original permit

the drawing submitted with the "after the fact" permit, 2007

Native American tradition asks people to consider the impact that current actions will have on the next seven generations. "Think Seven." Click here to send your comments.

CCW needs your donations to continue working for community awareness.
Click here to quickly and safely donate NOW.

Bayou Caddy Wetlands Saga

Wetlands Fill Violation

update 4/24: Apparently, the Department of Marine Resources has already issued an "after-the-fact" permit to the developer. It's up the Corps now to enforce the federal laws. We'll post more information as soon as it's available.

While the zoning appeal waited for a high court decision, one 2.7 acre section of wetlands critical to hurricane surge protection and marine habitat has already been filled, apparently for a high-rise development.

Bayou Caddy Wetlands Fill in April 2006

double-click to enlarge photo

Bayou Caddy wetlands fill 5/2007.

Sediment from fill is running off into adjacent marsh.

The owner applied for a fill permit in 2002, which was granted specifically to expand a seafood operation – a water dependent activity. When the wetlands were filled in early 2006:

1. The permit had expired.

2. A sign was posted at the site advertising the proposed high-rise towers, indicating that the purpose of the fill had changed.

3. Required mitigation had not been completed.

4. Proper controls to prevent sediment pollution were apparently not taken.


The Corps issued a cease and desist order in October 2006. They may choose to enforce severe penalties and require the owner to restore the wetlands - or they can issue an “after-the-fact” permit – which would involve no penalty for the wetland destruction.

In a recent letter, Gulf Restoration Network wrote to “urge the Corps to require that Mr. Cure remove the fill that was deposited. This fill continues to pollute nearby waters because there is no existing sediment control. Issuance of an after-the-fact permit in this case is unacceptable and would send the wrong signal to those who violate wetland regulations.

The Corps has continually told the public that wetland protection is a top priority. We ask that the Corps demonstrate its commitment by requiring restoration of this unauthorized fill site. Please respond to this letter and let us know how the Corps intends to proceed on this matter.”


click on "Comments" below to leave your own, post your letter to the Supervisors or read comments from other members

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1100 Poydras St. #2525
New Orleans, La. 70163-1139

Thanks!

With the exception of professional legal help, all work is done by volunteers. Special thanks to member Robert Jones for setting up our Pay Pal account!

To Join CCW

To join CCW and receive e-mail alerts... when we post new information about development concerns on the Hancock Coast, just send an email with your name, where you vote and your e-mail address to ellis@datasync.com.

You don't have to be a resident of Hancock County to join - if you have friends or relatives here, or just visit on occasion and love our way of life, you can sign up. However, if you are a voter here, we'd like to know so we can alert you to relevant elections.

We collect no dues and we will NOT release your e-mail address to anyone else. On average, we send out a few updates or action alerts per month.

Corps of Engineers Proposals

A list of our members questions
to the Corps
regarding their proposal

A local resolution to the Corps gains support

News Reports on the Meeting:
Times Picayune - "Buyout or Sellout"
Sun Herald - "Residents Dispute Corps Plan"
WLOX - "See the Areas Under Consideration for Federal Buyout

Corps Hosts Public Meeting
on Monday, September 17
at 5:30pm
at Bay-Waveland Middle School
(on Pine Street behind Bay High School)

double-click on image to enlarge
note: Map is an artist's rendering based on a low resolution copy of a Corps flyer.
For official information and maps citizens should attend the meeting.

The public is invited to attend a meeting on Monday, September 17 at 5:30pm at the Bay-Waveland Middle School (on Pine Street behind Bay High in Bay St. Louis). The purpose of the meeting is to discuss various measures being considered to reduce future damages from hurricane surges. The meeting is hosted by the US Army Corps of Engineers along with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. Measures being discussed include structural levels, nonstructural elevations and/or land buyouts in Hancock County.

When meeting details were finalized on Friday, September 14th, the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce immediately launched a public awareness campaign to encourage business owners and residents to attend. The Chamber is circulating a flyer giving details of the meeting, as well as working through the Internet in the outreach effort.

Chamber Director Tish Williams said, “It is extremely important for citizens to get involved in the rebuilding process by participating in public meetings and providing opinions on how we want our community to be rebuilt. The meeting Monday night will clarify the issues and answer some of the questions citizens have about the plans.”

Williams continued, “We understand that these proposals are not "set in stone." Through this meeting the Corps is showing a desire to work with the public and local leaders and governments. We all have the same end goal: to facilitate recovery and make the community less vulnerable to future storms."

Wetlands Links

double-click on image to enlarge

How to find Wetlands in YOUR neighborhood - go to this wetlands map site and keep zooming in to see what is marked as wetlands in your vicinity.

After Lobbying, Wetlands Rules are Narrowed - New York Times 7/6/07

Gulf Coast Wetlands Being Destroyed, Critics Say - NPR - All Things Considered - 11/6/2006

Vanishing Wetlands - An astonishing series by the St. Petersburg Times. Includes "They Won't Say No, "Pressure for Permission" and "Making Up For Damage - Efforts to Replace Wetlands Often Fail."

Mississippi Needs Corps Consistency Too - Gulf Restoration Network, Cynthia Ramseur, 7/13/06

Wetlands for Flood Protection - Gulf Restoration Network

The Importance of Wetlands - Gulf Restoration Network

Corps Proposes Easing Gulf Wetlands Rules - MSNBC - Mike Stuckey - 10/19/06

Wetlands Regulations Eased - follow-up story - MSNBC - Mike Stuckey - 2/14/07

From the GRN blog - Wednesday, May 30, 2007

STREAMLINING WETLAND DESTRUCTION

Less than two years after Katrina devastated Gulf Coast communities, the Mobile District of the Army Corps of Engineers seems to have forgotten the importance wetlands serve in protecting communities from flooding and storm surge. The evidence came last fall when the Corps released its draft Regional General Permit. Many of you probably remember sending comments urging the Corps to abandon its irresponsible proposal to streamline and remove public comment for wetland fills up to 5 acres.

Well they listened, kind of…In response to the thousands of people who sent concerns around the original proposal, the Corp shrank the size to three acres. Let me remind you, 3 acres is still 6 times the national precedent. We're talking roughly the size of three football fields. Take 10, 25, 50 different projects and the acres start to add up. Realizing the second draft was just as absurd as the first, 1,450 GRN supporters sent comments to the Corps urging it to give up the wetland fill game. In both rounds of public comment citizens requested public hearings to voice their concerns and present evidence for the Corps to consider.

On Friday, without scheduling a public hearing, the Corps released the final version of the Regional General Permit. I wish I could say that I am shocked that such a thing would happen, but I’m not surprised. This is the same division that cannot competently enforce wetland protection laws and requires citizens and citizen groups to take matters into their own hands.

The release of the Regional General Permit last Friday highlights once again the lack of Corps consistency community members and non-profits have been lamenting for decades. Following the Mississippi Coastal Improvements Program, I was excited to see that preserving existing wetlands and restoring historic wetlands were part of the Corps’ plan. The counties with proposed wetland restoration are the same that fall prey to the newly released Regional General Permit!

Community members are told of the importance of protecting and restoring wetlands, yet they are given a policy that takes away their voice in the process of determining which wetlands get destroyed. To echo Mississippi attorney and GRN board member Robert Wiygul, "I feel safe saying there are a lot of citizens and groups looking very hard at a court challenge to this decision."

Protect Our Wetlands, Protect Ourselves.

Stephanie Powell is the Outreach Associate for the Gulf Restoration Network's Water Resources Program.

Bay St. Louis Comprehensive Plan

“What’s your vision of the future?”

The Hancock Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a public awareness campaign to encourage citizen participation in the new Bay St. Louis Comprehensive Plan.

Click here to read how the comp plan process works and why your input is crucial.

Click here to go to the Chamber site and access the entire plan in PDF format. You'll be able to read the plan on-line or print out your own copy.

Click here to read an article on the public awareness campaign.

For those without computer access, printed copies of the plan (to remain in-house) will be available at the Bay St. Louis Library, the offices of the City Council (on Main, behind the Shell Station at Hwy. 90) and at the Chamber office at 412 Hwy. 90 in Bay St. Louis. Each location will also offer a drop box for comments.

Insurance crisis

Insurance Woes?

Click on the image below to watch a short, powerful video of
Representive Gene Taylor.

Update - 7/15/07
Sun Herald front page article
Taylor to testify for multiple perils bill

Want Change? It won't happen with YOU.

Here's a quick and easy way to take action on insurance reform bills now before Congress:

1. Read the letter below from Congressman Gene Taylor, explaining House Bills #920 and #1081.

2. If you support these bills, call or e-mail your congressperson and tell them today. There's a fast contact service provided by the House of Representatives: Go to this website , type in your zip code and you'll instantly have access to your representative's office phone numbers and in some cases, e-mail addresses. Click here to e-mail Gene Taylor.

3. Pass this information on. It's critical that people all over the country understand insurance issues and how they affect the entire nation.

A few minutes of your time can have an enormous impact!



From the Desk of GENE TAYLOR:

Insurance reform is my top priority in this session of Congress. Insurance concerns are the biggest obstacles to the recovery in South Mississippi. Many homeowners cannot afford to rebuild because their insurance companies did not pay the claims that they owed. Those who can rebuild are finding that some companies have completely stopped offering new policies or have tripled or quadrupled their premiums.

Some insurance companies defrauded federal taxpayers by billing the National Flood Insurance Program for damage that should have been covered by wind coverage. Taxpayers also provided FEMA assistance, CDBG grants, and subsidized SBA loans to help many homeowners whose losses should have been covered by insurance.

Since Katrina, many home and business owners have had to purchase wind insurance from the Mississippi wind pool, the insurer of last resort in the six coastal counties. The state used federal CDBG funds to subsidize wind pool costs for two years, but that is not a permanent solution. State insurance pools in Louisiana, Florida, South Carolina, and other Gulf and
Atlantic states also have been forced to cover many more properties. The current state-by-state regulation of insurance makes each state deal with the issue separately, but this is a national crisis that requires a Congressional solution.

I have introduced the Multiple Peril Insurance Act, H.R. 920, which would allow the flood insurance program to offer a single policy that would cover both wind and flood risk. Homeowners should be able to buy one policy and know that their damage will be covered, without the need to hire lawyers and engineers to distinguish between wind and water damage. The bill requires that the premiums be actuarially sound so that the program will collect enough to pay for itself.

I also am the lead cosponsor of H.R. 1081, the Insurance Industry Competition Act, introduced by Rep. Peter DeFazio. This bill would repeal the insurance industry's exemption from federal antitrust laws. No person or industry should be above the law. We can still permit insurance companies to share data on losses and trends without giving them a blanket exemption from the federal laws protecting consumers from bid rigging, price fixing and market collusion.

Those who support these insurance reforms are encouraged to ask friends, relatives and colleagues around the country to contact their U.S. Representatives and ask for their support.

Copies of bills, statements, letters and other documents regarding insurance and other Katrina concerns are available on my website.

Property Tax Protection

As the state law stands now, we're all in danger of major tax increases. For example: If the property next door to you sells for say - $2,000,000 - YOUR property will be assessed at $2,000,000 - even if you only paid $20,000 for it ten years before. If you're on a fixed income and/or you can't afford the new taxes, you'll be forced to sell.

Only a change in state law would prevent that from happening. Other states like (Florida and Alabama) have laws designed to protect residents from having to give up their homes because of escalating property values around them. These laws are especially important to anyone living on a fixed income.

In January 2006, CCW backed two bills introduced by our local State Representative, J.P. Compretta. These bills would have placed a cap on property tax assessments, limiting the rate your property could be reappraised to 3% a year. It's solid legislation, backed by our own tax assessor, Jimmie Ladner and County Supervisor Lisa Cowand. To read the bills, click here and here.

Hundreds of our members called in support. The switchboard at the capital was overwhelmed with the response. However, the bills weren't even brought up for a vote in the Ways and Means Committee. They died quietly without ever seeing a real chance at passage. But we need to ressurrect them and get them passed into state law - in fact, it's urgent.
Here's a Clarion-Ledger article on the crisis.

We've spoken with both Jimmie Ladner and Lisa Cowand since the bills failed and asked their advice. They both agree that we shouldn't give up hope. Legislation sometimes takes years to get passed. They also say that we should start working now towards having it introduced again in 2007/2008.

One of the ideas we have is to ask city councils throughout the state to pass resolutions in support of the bill. We also need to start soliciting the support of County Supervisors across the state. Why is this so important?

A source in the capital told us that in general, the Supervisors around the state see this as a potential threat to their tax base. Our job is to demonstate that's not the case. Other states have sucessfully utilized this type of legislation. To read more about how taxpayers in other states are dealing with this, read this Christian Science Monitor article.

With insurance rates on the coast rising astronomically, long-time residents won't be able to afford the double whammy of big tax hikes as well. We need this protection and we need it now.


How can you help?

We need some active and dedicated volunteers to head up the campaign. Please leave your contact information in the comment section if you have time to take this on (we won't post your information). Also, tell all your friends and neighbors - spread the word throughout the state. And feel free to leave your ideas and input below. Together, we can make a difference.

Our Community's Most Valuable Asset

Excerpt from a speech by Ellis Anderson to the BSL Rotary Club on May 17th, 2006


I believe in the next year, the tone will be set for the next hundred years on the Hancock Coast. What will your great- grandchildren be looking at when they’re adults? It could be a soulless strip of high-rises, or a beautiful community that reflects our heritage. Right now, it’s still our choice, but not for long. We have to choose what type of development we want in that future.

It’s a misconception that most CCW members stand against all development or even against condos in general. I understand that your speaker last week was Bill Shanks, the developer who’s putting together the big project on Old Spanish Trail. It may surprise you to know that I, personally and many of our members have encouraged him. Why? Because he sought out community input when he first conceived of the project. He wants to create a development that enhances our community character. There are more Bill Shanks out there, lots of developers who recognize and respect our most valuable asset.

And what is our most valuable asset? We have the seafood industry, the tourist industry, a great variety of businesses. We have a variety of natural resources, including some fabulous wetlands. But I believe that our most valuable resource - our greatest treasure - is our community identity.

There’s something incredibly special about this place. You feel it too, or you wouldn’t be here now. And we’re not prejudiced just because it’s our home. Outsiders feel it too. In my gallery, everyday, I saw tourists who were struck with the force of it. They’d all say the same thing. I want to live here. It’s magic.

And that magic translated into dollars. Before the storm, Old Town houses in BSL were selling for $200 a square foot. Biloxi and Gulfport houses were going for less than half that – about $75 a square foot. People were willing to pay a premium to live here. Bay St. Louis had the hottest housing market on the Gulf Coast.

Part of our appeal was our stock of historic buildings. Now, many of them are gone. But that doesn’t matter. I’ve heard many volunteer workers say they want to move here – and they never even saw the Hancock Coast before the storm – all they’ve seen is the ruin.
They still want to live here. They still feel the magic.

Right now, I have a nurse practioner living in my house. She came down here from Boston to volunteer, staying in a tent for three months. She tells me she wants to buy a house in the Bay. She’s willing to pay 3 times the amount that she would pay for a house in Biloxi. I asked her why she’d do that. She says that this place "has character."

What gives us that character? That intangible thing that people can actually feel? A thing that continues to exist even though half of our historic buildings have been blown to smithereens?

Think of it as a living thing – a live oak. The roots of that oak are buried deep in the history of this place. Some families have been here for generations. In the passing years, new branches have grown – people who connected with the community and decided to make their own lives here. Together, our energy created a great nesting place for all sorts of businesses. It attracted tourists from around the world, seeking to rest in our shade for a bit.

Katrina stripped our oak of almost every leaf. She left us homeless and beaten, broke many of those branches. But those roots sustained us. Those of you who were here for the storm, know that it was days before we had outside help. Yet, we banded together, helping each other in the very worst of times. And that’s because we never forgot that we were still part of a larger whole.

Now we have outsiders, coming in who don’t understand the character of the live oak. Remember in Gulfport, right after the storm when 250 ancient live oaks got cut down? It happened before the locals could stop them. And it happened because well-meaning outsiders didn’t realize that those oaks weren’t dead, that they had weathered dozens of storms and would come back. They didn’t understand what those oaks meant to us as a community.

We have outsiders now in Hancock County who are operating on the same premise. They don’t understand what’s meaningful to us. They want to cut our oak down, plant something new.

You can be the next Destin, they tell us. You too can have your coast lined with high-rises and be filled with chain stores and franchise restaurants. You can have the crime and traffic problems that come with a large transient population. They offer us a carnival atmosphere, a giant arcade with all the neon and phony glitz of Las Vegas or Fort Lauderdale. They dangle the lure of jobs in front of us.

But they don’t tell us lots of things – like in Panama City, only about 2% of their new condo owners file for homestead exemption. That means that they have a transient population. They don’t tell you how valuable our coastal wetlands are for hurricane protection. They won’t mention what will happen to our beach road with thousands of additional cars going up and down it every day. They don’t tell you that the high-rise condo market is crashing and what’s really hot in the development market now are planned communities that are family oriented.

What we’re suggesting is that we remember what we are, what made us so special in a forest of ordinary trees. We can grow back in a way that's natural and nurturing to us. And we have help.

The Governor’s Commission planners understand our community. Their vision for rebuilding has us utilizing the best of the old and the new. And these planners are not basing that vision on sentimentality. They’re basing it on a proven pattern for economic prosperity.

Did you know that the current trend in development is to create new communities that copy ours? There are several phenomenally successful models. Selborne, outside of Atlanta. Celebration – a community by Disney in Florida. And of course, Seaside, Florida. These places are so successful, that people actually get into bidding wars trying to own a home there.

We don’t have to copy anybody. We still have the "real deal," the authentic thing that those places are trying to imitate. We possess the community identity and character they have to invent. We can rebuild using our own solid roots. If we do so, we can become the gem of the entire Gulf Coast, from Florida to Texas.

But we need to be good stewards. First and formost, that means realizing the value of our community character and working to protect it. If we do, we have an incredible and prosperous future before us.

The Bridge is Open!

Update: 5/18

Video from the bridge opening ceremony and festival.

The celebration of the Bay Bridge opening gave the whole coast something to cheer about. The Director of the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Tish Williams, was a pivotal figure in coordinating the festivities in short order. The entire community was appreciative of her efforts for this event and also wanted to acknowledge the extraordinary work she's done to help pull our Katrina devastated communities together in the past year and a half.

But if you've volunteered, donated or offered your support to the Coast in any fashion, this thank-you message is for you as well! For the people of the coast, this bridge is a symbol of the country's outpouring of love and generosity.

Click here to access the video. We hope you enjoy this portrait of our beloved Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Note: The on-line "video" images are not very clear, but that's the limitations of the video streaming technology. If you'd like a Quicktime download with sharp pictures (10.3 megs), e-mail me at ellisanderson@bellsouth.net. The opening image of the bridge after Katrina is from the NOAA archives. The wreath held by Lisa Cowand near the beginning was thrown from the top of the bridge during the opening ceremony to commemorate those who lost their lives in the storm.

Images and slide show by Ellis Anderson, music by Appalachian Picking Society.


5/17/07

Hello all,

The Coast will be celebrating a historic day this afternoon - our new Bay bridge will be opening! If you're in the area, there's a major festival planned and we hope to see you there. If you're reading this in other parts of the country, here's a link that will be the next best thing to attending the party:

This site shows live camera of the bridge, updated every 15 minutes. Around 3 p.m., check in for a view of the ribbon TYING ceremony, followed by an antique car parade.

If you want to read more about it, here's a few links to news stories:

The Seacoast Echo - story by Bennie Shallbetter
The Sun Herald - story by Ryan LaFontaine
MSNBC - Rising from Ruin story by Mike Stuckey
WLOX story with video by Danielle Thomas

The WLOX site will also have live video of the ceremony today on their website

Below, you'll find a schedule of events, a festival tip sheet and a photo taken yesterday from the top, looking out towards Pass Christian.

This bridge represents more than mere convenience to those of us on the Mississippi coast. It's a symbol of connection - the thing that has sustained us in adversity. We're moving from loss into light and that's a fine feeling. My wish is that you can share our joy this day.

Ellis Anderson
Coastal Community Watch


Schedule of Events

2pm Ceremony at the Bay Bridge (Bay St. Louis)

3:30pm Classic Car Parade Over the Bay Bridge down North Beach Blvd.

4-8pm Bridge Fest - North Beach & the Bay-Waveland Yacht Club

Tips for A Great Bridge Fest

DO bring:

Lawn chairs or beach towels for seating

Some cash - there will be vendors giving away both food and drink, but also beverages (non-alcoholic, beer and cocktails) and food will be available for purchase.



DON'T BRING:

Ice chests



PARKING:

Hollywood Casino Bay St. Louis is providing shuttle service, with support from Coast Transit Authority and Gulf Coast Transportation. Shuttles will run from the Marketown Shopping Center at Hwy. 90 and Dunbar to and from the Festival site at Bay-Waveland Yacht Club from 1:30pm - 8pm.

Do not park along the North and South Service Roads on Highway 90 in Bay St. Louis. Roads will be closed to through traffic from 12 noon - 8pm from Second Street at Highway 90 to North Beach and on North Beach at Highway 90 to Felicity.

Local residents who live along these routes are advised to limit use of these streets starting at 2pm.



BOATS:

Anyone inquiring about docking Boats should be directed to: Susan Magee, 493-0278



For more information, contact:

Hancock Chamber at 228-467-9048

New CCW Website!

Hi all,

To keep up with local government happenings, meetings and general community activities, we've established a new website - please "bookmark" it for future reference and pass it along to all your neighbors. It's called "Community News." Just double-click on the name to check it out! We'll be updating it frequently with help from the Hancock Chamber of Commerce and other groups.

If you have any news that should be listed on the site, just e-mail ellis@datasync.com


Thanks!

The Crew At Coastal Community Watch

Good News!

On Tuesday, April 3rd, the Bay St. Louis City Council voted unanimously to enact an ordinance that will create an official historic district. Click here to read about the process and how the Council adopted a version that is "tailor-made" for the Bay. Click here for a site that shows the many economic benefits a historic district will bring to our community.

In the same meeting, the Council also voted to unanimously extend a moritorium on condos until the city's comprehensive plan can be updated.

We urge members to write and thank the council for making these moves to preserve our community's identity and character. Letters may be sent to janecarrow@aol.com. Jane Carrow is the Clerk of Council and will make sure your notes are delivered to the Councilmen.

More Good News - CCW Volunteer Efforts Bring in Grants for Cities

This year, the cities of Bay St. Louis and Waveland will celebrate Arbor Day by receiving two grants, totaling $110,000. The funds are made available through the Mississippi Forestry Commission and will be used to implement a Greenways plan for the two towns. The presentation ceremony took place on Arbor Day, Friday, February 9th at 3:30 pm, at the intersection of Highways 90 and 603.


Greenways plans focus on beautifying an area by planting trees and landscaping public lands. Studies have shown that such projects increase business, attract new investors and enhance qualities of life for residents. The Hancock Chamber of Commerce worked for several years to develop and promote a plan for this region, yet implementation of the project was stalled from lack of funds.

These grants earmark money for the services of an arborist to put that Greenways plan into action. They also provide funds for sample business and commercial corridor projects, to be completed within the next 18 months.

The two $50,000 Forestry Commission grants were matched by two $5,000 awards from the Mississippi Urban Forestry Council. MUFC Executive director Donna Yowell worked with several members of Coastal Community Watch, assisting the CCW volunteers who wrote the grants for the cities. Bay St. Louis Councilmen and Waveland's Aldermen approved the CCW volunteers’ efforts and both mayors signed the applications for funding. The Chamber has offered to manage the grants for the cities, under new president David Mauffrey.

Friday's check presentation included a tree planting ceremony. Jimmy Mordica of the Mississippi Forestry Commission, Hancock Chamber vice president Guy Johnson and local officials from both cities (Buz Olsen for BSL and Ted Longo for Waveland) were on hand to make remarks.

Many thanks to the CCW volunteers who helped make this possible, including Allison Anderson, Elizabeth Register and Joe Tomasovsky.

The Board of Coastal Community Watch voted to donate a Magnolia tree to be planted at Friday's ceremony, with the following dedication:

This tree is presented by the members of Coastal Community Watch, as
a thank you to all the volunteers - from around the country and
within our own community - for their monumental efforts to help us
rebuild. Along with the tree, we offer these lines of poetry in
their appreciation:

"If your life is a leaf that the seasons tear off and condemn,
they will bind you with love that is graceful and green as a stem."

Members of Coastal Community Watch hope that our future growth in
Hancock County is both graceful and green.



Final Note: To enroll in free Forestry Training Programs sponsored by MUFC, contact Donna Yowell at 601-672-0755. The next class will be held at the Bay St. Louis library on February 22. MUFC will also be giving away over 10,000 trees to local residents and businesses on the 22nd.

More Casinos in Bay St. Louis?

Update - March 14th, 2007

Here's an article telling about the full page ad that recently ran in two editions of the Seacoast Echo. Just double-click here for the story.

Update - Jan.21/07

Developers of the proposed casino in Old Town unveiled their plans at the BSL City Council meeting this past week (Jan 16th). For those of you who couldn't attend, here are three reports:

Critics Fear Bay Casino Project - The Sea Coast Echo

Developers envision casino in Old Town - $100M project has few backers among locals - The Sun Herald

The WLOX story also includes a video clip...


The standing-room only crowd listened as developers presented their concept. Afterwards, the council solicited comments from the audience and anyone who wished to speak or ask questions was given the floor. For over 90 minutes, people commented and all viewpoints received respectful attention. The overwhelming majority of remarks were against the project (as noted in the news accounts), but although passions ran high, the meeting was conducted with dignity and humor.

This appearance before the council by the developers was basically a "courtesy call." If the developers wish to officially proceed, they will need a zoning change, variance or special exception, just to start. When and IF they apply for such a change, public hearings will be held. We'll keep members posted.

We've also fielded several inquiries as to whether the proposed city projects in Old Town are related in some way to the casino proposal. The answer is "no." The proposed beach-side park at the foot of Main Street, the down-town parking garage and the new fire/emergency station will be funded by grants to the city itself - and will proceed independently. Our city officials have been working overtime on these proposals (and obtaining grant funds to make them a reality). Here's an article with some details of the grants and another on insurance "rescue" bills currently making their way through the State Legislature.


The Crew at CCW


Original Entry - 1/14/07

It's been a big week for development news in Bay St. Louis.

Many members have contacted us with concerns about a proposed casino development at Beach and Main St. in Old Town. Here's the latest published 1/13/07 in the Sea Coast Echo - click here to read the story. We're actively soliciting comments from residents - both pro and con. Click on the "comments" button at the bottom of this page to leave your input.

The developers will be appearing before the Bay St. Louis City Council at the next meeting (Feb. 16th - 5:30 pm - meeting room in the old Coast Electric Building - directly behind the Shell station at the corner of 90 and Main). Interested residents are encouraged to attend to learn more.

In the meantime, Paradise Properties has updated one of their websites to feature an enormous Bay St. Louis casino development on Highway 90 between the bridge and Dunbar Ave. Click here to check it out: It's called "Casino Carnival."


Ryan LaFontaine's story on the development in the Sun Herald is excellent. But just a day before, the Sun Herald published another quite different article about Paradise Properties Group. This one is called, "Trouble in Paradise..." The Seacoast Echo also reported on the event in their 1/6 issue titled "Paradise Revisited... by SEC investigators." Earlier in the week - MSNBC had published a detailed story by Mike Stuckey on their national news website - "More Trouble for Paradise?"


Both casino proposals represent a major crossroads for our town. We're advising that all members of the community learn as much as possible, think hard and long and pass this along to all your neighbors and friends.

The Year Ahead

(If you're a computer novice, just remember that double clicking on any line of blue type below will take you to a page with more information)

Hello all!

Our membership keeps growing and so does our list of activities. Here are a few of our on-going projects:

1. We're still suppporting an appeal before the State Supreme Court. It will decide whether developments like this one are allowed to build on 1100 acres of our Hancock coastal wetlands without density or height restrictions. If you'd like to help, you can now donate through Pay Pal - just click here for instructions.

2. This year we're planning another campaign for urgently needed property tax protections for Coast residents.

3. We've come up with on-line candidates' forums - sort of one-stop-shopping for voters. We gave our first site a dry run with the November elections in Waveland - the forum got rave reviews. We're also working on ones for the county (just in time for the elections this year), and one for the Bay .

4. This fall our members participated in a national campaign to stop a change in wetlands regulations along the Mississippi Coast. We plan to continue watching and alerting members to changes that will impact these wetlands forever. Here's an update from Gulf Restoration Network.

5. We're adding four new board members! Bob Davis and Camille Tate (both of Bay St. Louis) and Carolyn Hollister and Elizabeth Register (both of Waveland). All four new members are well-known for their community involvement and leadership. We're honored that they've agreed to serve.

6. Click here for our new quick, easy and secure way to donate on-line through Pay-Pal! If you'd like to help our efforts, it just takes a few moments.

If you'd like to join our group (it's free and entirely internet based, so there are no meetings or dues), just click here . To read about how the organization actually works, click here.

Here's to working towards a New Coast, one where citizen activism shapes the future. Your voice matters.

The Crew At Coastal Community Watch

New Local Government Websites for Info

Our latest project - a site about Waveland City Government - met with great enthusiasm during the past election. It gave each of the Ward and Mayoral candidates their own "page" to express their views and was a great aid to voters -both locally and absentee.

Now the election's over, we hope you'll support your newly elected Waveland officials by attending meetings and offering input and ideas. The site is being updated and will remain active - an open forum for officials and a reference guide to residents who want to stay involved and active.

Again, the address is www.servewaveland.com

We're also working on similar sites for Hancock County and for the City of Bay St. Louis and hope to have the County one completed this spring - in plenty of time for the upcoming 07 elections! We've already posted a basic county district map on the site - go check it out - you'll be fascinated!

Wetlands Under Fire Again

Please take a few moments, read the letter below and send your comments to the Corps of Engineers - you can make a difference! And forward our alert along to your own mailing lists immediately. The deadline for comments is March 9th, so we don't have much time.

CCW has been working with a great group called Gulf Restoration Network for several months. Today, we received the following letter from them:

Last fall I wrote to you about an irresponsible plan to fast-track wetland destruction in Mississippi coastal counties hardest hit by hurricane Katrina. The plan not only would have rubberstamped approval for projects filling in up to 5 acres of wetlands, it would have removed impacted community members from the public participation process.

Despite receiving 7,500 comments urging them to abandon the flawed proposal, the Army Corps of Engineers released a revised proposal that remains unacceptable. Under the new proposal, development projects that destroy up to three acres of wetlands (nearly 3 football fields!) would be exempt from the permitting process that applies everywhere else in the country. As with the last proposal, this draft would eliminate the public's right to voice concern over individual projects. Not only is this proposal a bad deal for coastal Mississippi, it sets a dangerous precedent for the rest of the nation.

Wetlands are critical in protecting communities from flooding and storm surge. The Corps's proposal steers a devastated region away from a safe and sustainable recovery, and takes communities down a path towards more flooding, dirtier water, and less wildlife habitat.

Take action now and tell the Corps that in order to protect lives, property, and wildlife, they must abandon this destructive proposal.


Protect Our Wetlands, Protect Ourselves,

Jeff Grimes
Assistant Director, Water Resources Program

The GRN folks have a form letter ready to sign and go - it only takes a moment to send your comment. We're asking all our members to participate. Just click here and you'll be taken to the site.

CCW's own "wetlands watcher," Bob Davis, wrote his letter to the Corps last week. He's been following this issue for months (click here to read more). Here are his comments:

Colonel Pete Taylor, Commander
Department of the Army
U.S. Army Engineer District, Mobile
P.O. Box 2288
Mobile, AL 36628-0001

Reference: Regional General Permit SAM-20
Public Notice No. SAM-2006-2181-JWS

Dear Colonel Taylor:

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed Regional General Permit (RGP) SAM-20.

While I recognize that the revised RGP is an improvement over the earlier version that was published for public review in the fall of 2006, I still must strongly object to the very idea of a regional general permit that will increase wetland loss in the six coastal counties of Mississippi.

While a three-acre limit is obviously preferable to the previously specified five acre limit, the fact remains that the modified RGP SAM-20 is neither necessary nor in the public interest. There has been no demonstration that the current permitting procedures are unnecessarily restricting development in South Mississippi. A strong argument can be made that existing permitting procedures should be tightened rather than relaxed. Given that the nationwide general permit has a half-acre limit, it is incredible that the Corps is still proposing a three-acre limit in South Mississippi, an area that already has flooding problems.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, a heightened awareness of the beneficial role and importance of our wetlands has never been more widespread among community leaders as well as the general public. Recommendations of the Governor’s Commission on Katrina recovery stress the importance of preserving our remaining wetlands, which today represent a small fraction of the wetlands that originally existed here. Statements by Governor Barber have pointed to the need to restore and create additional wetlands in coastal Mississippi to replace those lost as a result of development over the years

If the state and federal governments are committing resources to creating and restoring wetlands, then why would the Corps want to make it easier to fill wetlands? The Corps is wasting taxpayer money by spending millions of dollars to restore wetlands, while at the same time issuing a general permit that makes it easier to fill wetlands.

On a positive note, specifically identifying crucial areas, e.g., the Pascagoula River Wildlife Management Area and the Turkey Creek watershed, for exclusion is a step in the right direction. In this vein, the vital marshlands surrounding Bayou Caddy in Hancock County should be added to this excluded category if SAM-20 is enacted.

Thank you for the opportunity to register my strong objection to the proposed RGP SAM-20.

Sincerely, Bob Davis

Copy to:
1) Mr. Robert Seyfarth, MS DEQ, P.O. Box 10385, Jackson, MS 39289
2) Mr. Bill Walker, MS DMR, 1141 Bayview Avenue, Suite 101, Biloxi, MS 39530
3) Mr. Ronald Mikulak, US EPA Region 4, Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center, 61 Forsyth Street, SW, Atlanta, GA 30303-8960

Wetlands "Bombshell"

Update 1/11/07
Here's the latest on the proposal from Gulf Restoration Network

Update 11/4
Listen to this NPR story on the wetlands crisis
featuring member Bob Davis


Update 10/25

The letter writing campaign is already having an effect - the Corps has extended the period for public comments by 30 days - the deadline's now December 10th. We're not alone in this campaign - people all over the country are jumping in to help us. If you haven't written your letter yet, do it today - your voice matters.

It's urgent that all members immediately read this
MSNBC article

"Army Corps proposes easing

Gulf wetlands rule"

"Anger greets plan to let developers skip permits

to speed Katrina recovery"

And here's the local follow-up articles:

Sun Herald article

WLOX story

And this follow-up AP article appeared in over 60 papers across the country -

Why is this national news? Because if the Corps changes policy for our area, it sets a precedent for the entire country.

Why is this regulation change so alarming?

Click here to learn more - also learn why wetlands are so valuable to our South Mississippi economy.

To download a PDF of the COE actual public notice, click here.

What you can do:

1. Write a letter.

The Corps is accepting public comment until November 10th. E-mail it to the Corps and send copies to all the addresses below. You're welcome to use our sample letter shown here (just do a copy and paste):

To the Corp of Engineers:

This letter is in regards to the proposed change to the wetlands permitting process in Mississippi (SAM - 2006 - 2181 - JWS).

I urge you to act as stewards of this valuable resource that was entrusted to you by the citizens of the U.S. and the residents of Mississippi and leave the wetlands permitting regulations as they currently stand. I also ask that you extend the period for public comment for 30 additional days and hold at least one public hearing on the matter.

I realize that the Mobile office of the Corps is understaffed, so I'm also urging our federal elected officials to provide special aid to the Mobile Office and provide you with needed assistance to carry out responsible permitting and enforcement proceedings under current regulations.

Thank you,

(to see letters other members have written, click here.)

send a copy of your letter to all the addresses below:

Corps address for public comment:
dll-cesam-rd-pn@sam.usace.army.mil

Colonel Pete Tayor, Commander:
peter.f.taylor.col@sam.usace.army.mil

MS Department of Marine Resources:
Bill Walker - Executive Director:
bill.walker@dmr.state.ms.us

MS. Department of Marine Resources Commissioners:
michaela.hill@dmr.ms.gov


Public Officials:

Senator Trent Lott:
cheryl_shaw@lott.senate.gov

Congressman Gene Taylor:
stephen.peranich@mail.house.gov


2. Start a chain of action.

This ruling has the potential to affect the way wetlands permits are handled throughout the country. Click here for a sample letter you can copy and send to your mailing list, so friends nationwide can participate in the public comment process. We need all the help we can get.

And feel free to leave your ideas/input/letters below by clicking on the "comments" button.

The Origins and Workings of CCW

The following is an excerpt from a speech by Ellis Anderson to the BSL Rotary Club on May 17, 2006.




I’ve owned property in Hancock County since 1984... In 1996, I moved to Old Town Bay St. Louis full time. I decided I wanted to spend the rest of my life here.

Artist Lori Gordon and I became great friends. She and her husband owned a house in Clermont Harbor and thought it was the greatest place in the world. Last April (2005) she started telling me about some zoning change that was in the works for that area. I hadn’t heard much about it and never paid much attention to zoning anyway. It was boring. I’d heard something about a new casino going in down there, but figured it’d flop like the ones before it. No big deal.

Then Lori went to the public hearings and came back with very bad news – the zoning change would allow unlimited height and unlimited density development. She thought that maybe a city of high-rises was being quietly planned.

We called everyone we could think of and the word spread around town. Three days later, when the Supervisors met to vote on the zoning, the courtroom was packed, people had to be turned away. Everyone present hoped the Supervisors would at least delay their vote until more research could be done, more public input could be heard. But they voted 4-1 to rezone 1100 acres of our wetlands for high-rise development. Lisa Cowand was the only dissenting vote.

Within three days, the County planning and zoning board gave site plan approval to 10 highrises – the tallest of which is 450 feet. To give you an idea of scale – the water tower at Bayou Caddy, the one you can see from miles away – is 150 feet. We found out later that one 26 story tower had been for sale on the internet while the public hearings were taking place. According to the Sun Herald, every reservation had sold out in the high-rise before the zoning change was even voted on.

None of this seemed fair or even well thought out to Lori and I. We formed Coastal Community Watch and within ten days, had more than 300 members. When Lori and some of her neighbors decided to appeal the zoning decision, members of the group donated money to pay for the legal fees. They hired attorney Reilly Morse and filed an appeal against the zoning decision the following week. The suit is now before the Mississippi Supreme Court.

The membership has continued to grow, even after the storm. We now have about 800 members. We do almost all of our work by internet. It’s free and it’s fast. We’ve incorporated as a non-profit.

With the exception of professional legal help, all work is done by volunteers without pay. We don't have to continually pester members for donations - almost all our expenses go for legal fees and they've been very reasonable. Many of our members in the legal profession - including Reilly Morse - donate hours of time pro-bono.

Our main interest is large-scale developmental issues that will affect our community identity and quality of life on the Hancock Coast. Our mission is to keep people informed about those issues and make it easy for them to participate in local government.

We have a very streamlined process and it enables us to act very quickly. Think of us as a clearinghouse of information. When we get an alert from members and volunteers, we investigate, usually with the help of more volunteers. Among our members we have many experts in all fields – legal, architectural, urban planning, historic preservation, scientists, real estate professions to name a few.

The board confers and decides if the issue would be pertinent. If we agree it is, we issue an “update.” Often, we’ll decide to take a stand on a particular issue. Then we tell our members exactly how we came to that decision. We know that not every member will agree with us on every issue. That’s OK. We welcome feedback both pro and con.

If a member feels strongly enough to take action one way or the other, we make it easy for them by giving them e-mail addresses or phone numbers, telling them who to contact, what meeting to attend. Our theory is that the more people who participate in local government, the healthier our community will be.

Letter to Editor re. the High Court decision

The following letter was published in the Seacoast Echo, week of Nov. 13, 2007

A recent high court ruling overturned the rezoning of 1100 acres for unlimited height and density development on the coastal wetlands around Bayou Caddy. This decision is a victory for the residents and businesses of the county, giving us an opportunity to revisit the future zoning of that area in a careful, collaborative manner that can benefit us all for generations to come.

Here are a few facts and questions to be considered while the people of this county undertake future zoning of the area:

1. Proceeding now with plans for a high-rise carnival-atmosphere city on the Bayou Caddy marshes would be like investing in Pet Rocks. The high-rise condo market in Florida and Alabama is floundering.

2. The enormous costs of infrastructure for such development would be a additional taxpayer burden.

3. Our new awareness about the role coastal wetlands play in hurricane surge protection make the idea of compromising them unthinkable. They also help filter and cleanse waters, as well as act as nurseries for our fishing industry. Every acre of coastal wetlands is irreplaceable.

4. The beach road was not built to handle the traffic generated by several new casinos, 10,000 high-rise "condotel" units, a golf course and a major big-box shopping complex. The only provision on the table right now is to 4-lane Lakeshore Rd., with the HOPE that most vehicles would choose to be shunted out to Hwy. 90 west of Waveland instead of taking the scenic beach route through Waveland and Bay St. Louis. To my knowledge, no traffic studies have been undertaken.

5. According to FEMA and the Corps, this area is extremely vulnerable during hurricanes. One FEMA official stated that because of our unique geography, Hancock County is more at risk for high storm surge than anywhere else in the country. Does it make sense to plant a new high density "city" directly in harm's way?

6. Will adding thousands of new units to the already stressed insurance market impact the rates of long-term homeowners and businesses in the county? We know now from experience that while high-rises may stand during a storm, they still sustain millions in damages. Is it possible that property owners in the north part of the county will have to pay higher insurance rates because of increased number of risks on the coast?

Why is this court ruling an opportunity?

1. Bay St. Louis and Waveland city leaders were not consulted about the original zoning, even though a high-rise "city" would impact them in many ways. Both cities and the county are currently creating new comprehensive plans. By working together with national planners and soliciting public input, the three governments can now create a seamless, cohesive vision for our 7 mile stretch of coast - a vision that we can aggressively market to sensitive developers.

2. Stennis Space Center and Port Bienville are both set for major expansion. We can attract high-tech spin-off businesses that will bring long-term prosperity by fostering our traditional values - education, arts, recreation and community character. These are the things that will appeal to stable, working families and businesses moving to the region.

3. The hottest trends in real estate development are planned communities like Seaside and Watercolor in Florida. They are built to imitate our own authentic Hancock coast character. We can capitalize on this trend by rebuilding in a thoughtful manner that respects our heritage, family values and environment - things Hancock residents have always held dear.

Hopefully, county leaders will take this opportunity to conserve energy, time and taxpayer dollars by dropping pursuit of free-wheeling zoning without limits and join with Bay St. Louis and Waveland to create a unified vision of our Hancock coast. In this brief window of time, we have the chance to become the gem of the entire Gulf Coast - a place that prospers and a place we can still call "home."

Ellis Anderson
president, CCW

Letters to the Editor

Write your own letter to the editor. It's easy and you can e-mail them to the addresses below:

Sun Herald - letters@sunherald.com
SeaCoast Echo - gbelcher@seacoastecho.com


Here's what some of our members are saying:

Published Sun Herald, Jan 8

Trouble in Paradise?


With so much empty land since Hurricane Katrina, it seems every day brings a
new proposal by developers. Some of these proposals are appropriate and
welcome, others questionable, still others obviously unadvisable. It is
crucial during this era of rebuilding that we, the citizens of South MS that
will be affected directly by these decisions, keep ourselves informed on
these matters.

In Hancock County, one such developer, Richard Kern of Paradise Properties,
has proposed a development that raises so many questions it deserves an
especially hard look. Several factors, including its proximity to protected
wetlands, the lack of existing local infrastructure, and the history of the
developers, should raise red flags. Any entity that is proposing a
development of this magnitude ($5 billion, 10 times the value of all taxable
County property pre-Katrina), should possess unquestionable integrity.

I attended a presentation by this developer and was amazed that the entire
video section was devoted to Seaside, Florida, a development with which
Paradise Properties has no association, whatsoever. It seems the Kern
brothers have been trying to fool everyone in MS, from the Governor to our
local officials, with visions of grandeur.

I urge everyone to read the comprehensive article at
http://risingfromruin.msnbc.com/2007/01/more_trouble_fo.html, which details
issues associated with the Kerns and Paradise Properties. If you don't own
a computer, you have a reasonable expectation of obtaining accurate facts
from your County Supervisor. I also urge the Supervisors to read this
article and would have done so by e-mail, if they had published e-mail
addresses. Hancock County Supervisors are now making decisions that will
affect all of us for many years to come, and they have a responsibility to
make informed, thoughtful ones. Haste and greed have no place in this
process. The alleged comment by one County Supervisor, "I'm going to back
anything that comes in that area because this county needs it," is an
unacceptable approach to these complicated issues.

David Segrave
Waveland

published in the Sun Herald, Sun. July 2. 06

We must preserve the beauty, serenity and uniqueness of this place

What makes people want to come back to live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast after the destruction of Katrina? Why would we not just take the easy way out and find a nice quite lake in Timbuktu? My reason for rebuilding is that the natural beauty of this coastline is unique, is serene, is under my skin.

However, what is being allowed to happen down in Bayou Caddy - unlawful filling of the wetlands by a developer whose permit for using this wetland area expired in May 2004, whose purpose for the use is different from when he applied and was granted the permit, and who has failed to comply with the terms and conditions of the permit - places that beauty and serenity in jeopardy.

There are officials and agencies responsible to the citizens in this area to enforce the protection of our natural resources. How can they stand by and ignore this assault on our Coast?

This is the habitat for hundreds, maybe thousands of birds and other animals. This is the picture that fills our eyes with beauty. These wetlands must be protected for the role that they fill in our ecological system and for the many people in the area, not given away to developers.

ELIZABETH REGISTER
Waveland


published in the Sun Herald, Sun. July 2. 06
Permits to fill wetlands must be monitored closely

I am greatly disturbed by the most recent news about the wetlands that have been filled in at Bayou Caddy. It seems that the developers received permission for filling the wetlands in that area for false reasons. The original reason was stated to be for fisheries project - but now it is a condo development.

It is a disgrace to witness this. I am greatly distressed to learn of questionable dealings of these developers in the past (see http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/ 135617851). Now they have received permission to fill our wetlands under what appears to be false pretenses.

I strongly oppose the development as it is being presented, and I am frightened of what will become of our area if we are to be doing business with these people. We need to investigate these matters and correct the wrong.

Development is not a bad thing; it is necessary. But development that fills in our wetlands is unacceptable. Louisiana learned the hard way about losing valuable wetlands. They are precious and to be protected, not filled.

I am a property owner on Beach Boulevard in Waveland. I feel this type of development will run over all of us - doing whatever they want to do and destroying our natural resources and our beautiful area along the way.

KAREN CAUVIN EUSTIS
Waveland

Seacoast Echo, July 30th,

Mr. Maness's latest letter to the editor (Sunday, July 24) claims that the U.S. Census Bureau is the source for his incredible statement that 30 million people will move to the coast in the next 25 years. Actually, the Bureau projects that the entire population of Mississippi will grow by less than half a million between 1995 and 2025. I'm a little uncertain as to what coast he might be referring to, but it's sure not ours here in Mississippi.

As for the number of residents who actually live full time in the over 1000 acres that were rezoned, that's really a moot point. Mr. Maness wants to convince you that only those families will be affected by an influx of 10,000 condo units (Sea Coast Echo, May 12, 2005). But every resident of Hancock County will be directly affected and in a very big way.

Conservatively speaking, that's about 20,000 new residents at the end of our little beach road. The quality of life in our county will decline dramatically. Imagine the traffic problems inherent with that influx of people – it’s enough to send chills up any spine. Add to this the demands placed on water, sewage, fire and police and the result is mind-boggling.

The writer's saddest misconception is that we'll all suffer economically if we don't knuckle under to the developers' strong-arm tactics. The truth is that in the long run, we all have much more to gain by not becoming a concrete imitation of Destin or Gulf Shores. Even now, people are paying premium prices for real estate in Bay St. Louis - prices that would be ludicrous in Gulfport or Biloxi. Why? Because we're charming and historic. Because we're unique and quaint. Because we have a narrow, slow, two-lane beach road and pristine marshlands. Because we haven't been over-developed.

We have what everyone else gave away for a song and people will pay a premium for it. What we need is to hold our ground with current R-1 zoning and work to get property tax protections in place so current residents aren't forced out of their homes. These are two of the primary objectives of Coastal Community Watch.

A fabulous and prosperous future is possible for this county if we hold out against heavy density development. VIsualize a community much as we are now, where people from all over the world come to enjoy our ambiance and our stewardship of one of the last unspoiled coastlines in the country. We have the goose that lays the golden eggs and the developers want to kill it for a quick meal. If you call us "obstructionists" for protecting that goose, it's a name we'll wear with pride.

Ellis Anderson

published in the SeaCoast Echo 5/20/06

I am writing this letter because I strongly oppose the incorporation of Clearmont Harbor. If we allow them to become a seperate city, this would open them to doing whatever they chose with their development. I am already extremely disappointed that the development of high rise condos so very close to our quaint little towns have been considered and to some extent approved. I am a member of the CCW and would like to see this development stopped.

My husband and I own property on S. Beach Blvd. in Waveland. If this development is not stopped, our community as we knew it will be destroyed. In a time when we are all grieving the damages of hurricane Katrina, to be faced with this terrible development is more than I can take. I am horrified and fear that we may loose any sense of our small town community and quaintness.

We have lost so much already...we cannot aford to let this happen. I only hope that we all unite in this and do our best to rebuild our community to return it to it's lovely ways...High Rise Condo's are not the answer. They will boost some people's pocket books...and ruin our way of life.

Karen Cauvin Eustis
Waveland, MS


published in the Sun Herald, May 18th

Essentially, a casino that could make its own laws

Bay St. Louis grew from early settlements into diverse occupancies and activities, eventually incorporating in order to grow and provide services in an orderly way. The same story, more or less, applies to many U.S. cities, even those that began as "company towns" in territories away from established cities.

On the other hand, the proposed city of "Paradise Bay" is no more than a planned unit development, or a cluster of the same, potentially recognizable as a special-use district, to be annexed by Waveland and/or Bay St. Louis. In this way, development - and its attendant increases in population, traffic, costs for services and facilities, tax revenues, direction and rate of growth - will be influenced in a broad-based way, with both short- and long-term benefits to all who reside in the area now and in the future.

Bay St. Louis and Waveland are historically established, broad-based, towns with a demonstrated competence to govern based on decades of learning. Either or both should eventually annex the few miles of coast to Bayou Caddy, as development makes city government appropriate there.

Please oppose incorporation of "Paradise Bay" as a separate municipality, dominated from afar by centralized corporate and investor interests. Such a direction would be harmful to Bay St. Louis and Waveland.

DAVID REYNOLDS
Bay St. Louis


published in the Sun Herald, May 17th

A condo jungle is not our idea of paradise

As a child I came with my family from New Orleans to our camp in Waveland and later attended camp at Camp St. Joseph on the grounds of Our Lady of the Gulf. I have sweet memories of running into the Bay as a toddler and of four magical weeks during the summer in "Bubble Hall," my first sleep-away camp.

After living in Texas for 12 years, my husband and I decided to return to the New Orleans area to be close to family. A miracle happened - we found a house on the beach in Bay St. Louis! Before Katrina our wonderful house stood at 976 South Beach Blvd. We still own this property and are deeply invested in renewing our area as the family-oriented jewel of a coastline, unique in all the U.S.

We absolutely oppose the incorporation of Paradise Bay (and the irony of this moniker is not lost on us). As taxpayers, voters and community members passionately committed to the renewal of Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Bayou Caddy Pearlington and each mile of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, we are convinced that any high-rise development on the Hancock Coast threatens the very life of the Coast. We support the reversal of the zoning decision allowing unlimited height, unlimited density development on our coastline. This issue must be put to rest immediately for both the residents and for the developers.

As we have said time and again when we write in opposition to proposals that will result in more traffic, more pollution and a fundamental change of character for our bay area: Destin, Gulf Shores and Panama City already exist. We do not want the Mississippi Coast turned into a condo jungle by developers who will not be here to live with the consequences.

CHARLENE COMSTOCK-GALAGAN
Bay St. Louis



published in the Sun Herald, May 17th

Together, we can halt blight of Parasite Bay

United, we can halt the corporate marauders who want to annihilate our community, our culture and our children's' future with a grifters' mecca called Parasite Bay. The parasites need us; we don't need them. We have and hold God's good earth. All they have is their filthy electronic lucre.

ANN DALTON
Waveland

Comp Plans and Corps Plans

The following news makes it clear that citizen participation in the comprehensive planning process is more important than ever. Highlights addressing some of these issues are posted on the Bay St. Louis city website. Click here to access information about how the process works, or read Highlights Part One and Highlights Part Two.

And don't forget the Comp Plan meeting tonight (9/20) in the Bay St. Louis City Council Chambers (Main and Hwy. 90, behind the Shell station) from 5:30 - 7:30!

Resolution Gains Support

The Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, working with local governmental leaders, initiated and is circulating a resolution in response to a recently publicized Corps of Engineers proposal that could have a profound impact on Hancock County.

Tuesday, September 18th – just one day after Corps representatives met with a standing-room-only crowd of concerned citizens - the Chamber Board unanimously approved the document. Before the ink had dried, that same evening a board member presented it to the Bay St. Louis City Council requesting city support.

The Council unanimously adopted the resolution, which requests that the Corps of Engineers work with local governments, citizens and planners within the comprehensive planning process. Currently, Bay St. Louis and Hancock County are completing drafts of their own plans and the process is slated to begin shortly in Waveland.

Tish Williams, director of the Hancock Chamber noted that the resolution will also be presented to the County Board of Supervisors, the Waveland Aldermen and other local civic groups and agencies, with the expectation that they will also back the resolution. One of the Chamber’s goals with the resolution is to present a sense of countywide unity.

“We are one,” said Williams. “And we speak with one voice about how we want our community to look in the next 25-30 years. This resolution represents a common-sense approach. The Corps and Department of Marine Resources have an opportunity to work very closely with local governments at this critical stage.”

“Combining efforts - instead of duplicating them - will conserve taxpayer money and avoid conflicting strategies for dealing with the problem we’re all focused on: How to make Hancock County less vulnerable to future storms, so we can move ahead, recover and prosper.”

Williams continued by pointing out that the Comprehensive Plan drafts for Bay St. Louis and the County already address some of the same issues that concern the Corps. The plans also consider various options for building back coastal communities that are stronger and more resilient.

Already DMR and the Corps have responded favorably to the resolution for taking a positive approach. Dr Susan Rees of the Army Corp indicated that they were looking forward to a productive partnership.

Dr. Bill Walker, Executive Director for the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources thanked the community for presenting “a positive resolution relative to making Hancock County and Coastal Mississippi the best it can be. Thank you too for offering to work with DMR and the Corps to develop a plan that is consistent with the wishes of the citizens of Hancock County. We welcome the opportunity to work with you in that regard. “

The resolution is addressed to President George W. Bush, Governor Haley Barbour, Mississippi Delegation, Members of Congress, with copies being sent to The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and The Army Corps of Engineers.


The resolution states that “the citizens of Hancock County do hereby request that all state and federal agencies, including the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and the US Army Corps of Engineers, work together within the comprehensive planning process with local governmental agencies and the private sector to avoid duplication of efforts; and, be it further resolved that said agencies work toward consolidation of technical resources to insure that the taxpayers resources are not wasted and to facilitate a unified approach to the rebuilding process---a goal that will benefit the citizens and taxpayers of Hancock County by creating a community that is vital and sustainable, both economically and culturally; and,
Be it further resolved, that the citizens of Hancock County do hereby request that the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and the US Army Corps of Engineers publicly make clear that any future structural and/or non-structural Coastal Improvement plans would only include those that are designated as appropriate through the City of Bay St. Louis, City of Waveland and Hancock County Comprehensive plans. This effort would restore faith in the community by citizens, volunteers, business owners and investors.”

The full version of the resolution may be read in PDF format on the Chamber site. For further information, contact the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce at 228.467.9048.

Questions for the Corps

News Reports on the Meeting:
Times-Picayune - "Buyout or Sellout?"
Sea Coast Echo - "Buy-Out Provokes Mixes Reactions"
Sun Herald - "Residents Dispute Corps Plan"
WLOX - "Hancock Residents Speak Out About Buyout Plan"
US Army Corps Info Site
on the Mississippi Coastal Improvements Program

At the public Corps meeting on Monday (Sept. 17th), CCW presented a written list of questions (compiled from members queries) to a Corps representative, asking that they answer in writing as soon as possible. We promised we'd post the responses as part of a public awareness campaign. Below is the cover letter and the list.

If you'd like to have your question(s) considered for addition to the list, please e-mail them to ellis@datasync.com or post them below in the "comments" section.

Although the initial public reaction at the meeting was "heated," one member points out, "There's a lot of good things here. Let's not throw out the baby with the bathwater." Written responses from the Corps to citizens' questions will begin the process of understanding.

Cover letter:

To Army Corps of Engineers Officials holding a public meeting in Bay St. Louis, MS, 9/17/07 in regards to the Mississippi Coastal Improvements Plan.

Members of the Hancock County community have submitted several questions to Coastal Community Watch, a non-profit citizens group advocating “Smart Growth.” We’ve compiled them in the attached list and would like to request written answers from your office. We plan to post both questions and responses on our website in the interest of community awareness: www.coastalcommunitywatch.blogspot.com

We’re sure to be receiving more questions and will deliver them to your offices ASAP. Is there a deadline for submission of inquiries?

Thank you in advance for a timely response, within legal delays.

The Questions:

Citizens’ Questions Regarding
the Mississippi Coastal Improvements Program

1. Are the documents and maps that have been released by the Army COE/Mobile* district part of an official Corps plan? Are other alternatives being considered by the Corps of Engineers or other federal or state agency that aren’t included in these documents?

2. When will the study be completed by the COE?

3. Why would the proposed buyouts be handled by the Corps, rather than FEMA (under the Stafford Act)?

4. If land is bought out by FEMA, the Stafford Act stipulates no structure with walls can ever be built on it again. Does the same hold true for Corps buyouts? What are stipulations for future land use of buyouts under Corps regulations?

5. If under Corps regulations, the land can be passed on to other entities or governing bodies, what stipulations would be included? For instance, if ownership of the land passed to the State, would they then be able to lease it out or sell it for development?

6. Once the land is acquired from the original owner, if the land is not utilized for the purpose stated in the buyout, or the Corps decides it does not wish to retain the land for any reason, will the original owner be offered first option to buy back his land at the price the Corps paid for it?

7. What is the specific area designated for accelerated buyouts? The maps circulating appear to indicate everything north of Julia Street on North Beach Blvd in the Bay. Is this correct?

8. Regarding the maps showing proposed accelerated buyout areas in Hancock County: Does the COE consider the Bay St. Louis areas selected as the most vulnerable to future storm damage? Why aren’t other vulnerable, less populated areas in Hancock County (for instance, Pearlington, Clermont Harbor and the Bayou Caddy areas), being considered for accelerated buyout before Bay St. Louis?

9. How will the value be determined of each property in the buyout area? Tax rolls, fair market etc?

10. When would the buyouts occur - years, months, or timing solely dependent on funding by the Federal Government?

11. If the owner does not wish to sell, will eminent domain be utilized to force a sale? Is this a possibility? Are there precedents in other states?

12. What was the origin date of this proposal? Where did the request originate for COE to create this proposal? Is it “one of several things that the Mobile District Corps of Engineers has done at my request to accelerate the recovery process following Hurricane Katrina?” Quote from Governor Barbour in official DMR press release 8.30.07, re. wetlands regulation changes in the state of Mississippi.

13. Can the Corps (and other federal and state agencies involved with long term recovery) work within the on-going comprehensive planning process with the public and local governing bodies. Is it possible to integrate some of these potential projects into the local plans - coordinating to save taxpayer dollars and a duplication of effort, modifying as to retain community character, vitality and long-term economic prosperity?

14. Is there an estimate of the total costs of the plan as currently proposed?

15. Has the Army Corps begun an Environmental Assessment pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act?

16. Has the Army Corps put this plan out for comments from USEPA, USDOI, NMFS, MDEQ and other federal and state resource agencies?

17. Is this a “Scoping” meeting under the National Environmental Policy Act?

18. Has there been a “Finding of No Significant Impact” issued for this project?

19. Is the Army Corps the lead agency in this project?

* Documents labeled Mississippi Coastal Improvements Program, distributed at a called meeting with various local officials in August.

Blue Meadow Road Zoning Change

Update 10/18/06

Last night at the BSL city council meeting, I asked the council about the meaning of a Special Use Waterfront District. Several members had concerns that perhaps another casino would be permitted according to the county's guidelines. Mayor Favre put those concerns to rest by pointing out that a casino wouldn't be allowed at that location because it was on the river instead of the Bay. I'm not familiar with the new regs governing on-land casinos, so am assuming that he was passing along accurate info. If anyone has time to research this, please leave info in the comments box below.

No one was able to explain exactly why the county had chosen SUWD - a designation that doesn't even include ANY residential use - for a townhome project.

Also, the city is apparently bound by the site plans for a townhome development that were presented to the county when the SUWD was passed. There was mention of the developer - Gulf Coast Equities - perhaps considering increasing the height of the project. If so, they'll have to appear before the city of BSL Planning and Zoning Board with public notice. Otherwise, they may proceed with plans for the project as presented to the County. The city is obligated to honor zoning decisions made by the County before the property actually came into possession of Bay St. Louis.

******************************

9/14/06

Hello all,


This is Ellis Anderson writing, co-founder and president of Coastal Community Watch.

In July, 2005, residents along Blue Meadow Road protested a zoning change for a proposed town home development by the waterfront. The proposal was presented by Gulf Coast Equities (apparently the same company currently asking for a beachfront zoning change in Waveland). They requested a change from single family residential (R-1) to Special Use Waterfront District. On July 21st, when the matter went before the Hancock County Planning and Zoning Board, the courtroom was packed with concerned citizens. The Board “tabled” the matter. Click here to read the WLOX report on the meeting.

Several weeks ago, a member wrote in to CCW. He’d heard a rumor that the Blue Meadow zoning had passed without opposition, so I visited the Hancock Zoning office. The small zoning map on the counter showed the area as still being R-1.

However, the minutes of the December 15, 2005 meeting revealed the change had been recommended for approval by the County PZB (click here to read the minutes). It was unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 6, 2006, and the property officially became a Special Use Waterfront District.

I wondered how I missed the public notice and was told by two county zoning sources that the Board isn’t required to run notices for “tabled” matters. The single public hearing last July was the only opportunity for residents to voice their feelings on the matter.

After the storm, I volunteered to take on the job of keeping members informed. Many of you are currently living elsewhere and depend on CCW for development news. I just assumed that another notice would be posted before a final decision was made. I hadn’t done my homework and I apologize.


What Now?

The Blue Meadow Road area is now part of Bay St. Louis. A spokesman for the city says they’ve received no site plans for approval and will welcome public input when they do. However, the city is bound to honor zoning changes made by the county before the annexation.

What is a Special Use Waterfront District?

Click here to read the full county guidelines.

One former zoning commissioner who read the regulations expressed confusion as to why that designation was applied for in the first place. The SUWD includes a variety of commercial activities - including marinas and casinos - yet makes no mention of town houses or any other residential use.

The entire coast obviously needs housing and commercial development. The crucial question is what type of development do we want? Residents should have a voice in these decisions. And that’s obviously going to take more vigilance on the part of us all.

Ellis Anderson

Feel free to leave your comments on this matter by clicking on the “comments” button directly below. We’ve simplified the process, so now it’s even easier!

Bay St. Louis and the "Shieldsboro" Development

A standing room only crowd showed up to hear the request of developer Bill Shanks, as he appealed to the BSL Planning and Zoning Board for a special exception for a new housing development. The proposed housing would be located on 44 acres on Old Spanish Trail and St. Charles Ave.

Mr. Shanks showed initial plans and explained how about 300 units would be built on the property. The mix of housing types would be single family, duplex and 4 unit townhomes (the townhomes would be marketed with retirees in mind). Prices would begin at $150,000 and go to around $400,000. Covenants were presented to the Board, covering such things as landscaping, maintenance and upkeep in the neighborhood. Mr. Shanks said architecture of the buildings would be based on traditional Bay St. Louis designs.

The Board encouraged questions and comments from the crowd. Concerns ranged from sewage and traffic issues to the effect of the development on property values. Nearby residents had mixed views on the project. Some asked the Board to deny the request, while others pled the case of the city needing tax revenues and quality housing. After over an hour of discussion, the Board voted unanimously for the special exception for the housing district. The city council will consider their recommendation at the next meeting, September 5th at 5:30 pm (City hall trailer in front of Depot).

For the past six months, Mr. Shanks has been to several city council and PZB meetings, talking about his plans and asking for resident input, ideas and concerns. This open approach gives everyone a chance to participate knowledgably in decisions that will affect the future of the Bay. And if local officials and residents continue working together with dignity and dedication, that future can be a bright one.


If you'd like to leave comments about the project, just click on the "comments" button directly below.

Waveland Zoning Meeting

Update 9/26 - The PZB meeting

Here's a report from one of our members who attending the 9/25 meeting.

There was a great turn out, approximately 75 to 100 people. The Board recommended that the request be denied and then voted to deny. One gentleman spoke and suggested that the board see a show of hands of how many people were against the change - it was a unanimous vote with the exception of the three represenatives of Gulf Coast Equities. Gulf Coast still has the opportunity to go before the next Council meeting, October 3, 2006, with their request
and it was suggested that everyone contact their Alderman and express their opinion.

Dave Seagrave

Update 8/31 - The Meeting

Well over 100 people attended the Monday night meeting. Afterward, many in attendance praised the Board for their professionalism.

Because the proper signage hadn't been posted, the Board decided to hear the request at their next meeting - September 25 (mark your calendars!). However, they did invite Mickey Lagasse (Hancock County Building Official who also apparently represents the developers - Gulf Coast Equities) to explain the project and answer questions from residents.

Some of the questions were: How many units will there be? Why a gated community? What about traffic and infrastructure? What height will the buildings be? Apparently plans for the project haven't been finalized, so not much information was forthcoming. However, the Board calculated that if the zoning change took place, 141 units could be constructed.

One board member asked the identity of Gulf Coast Equities. Mr. Lagasse did not supply any names. Double click on the blue type to see the information recorded on the Secretary of State's website.

Gulf Coast Equities also applied last year (July 2005) for a townhome development on Blue Meadow Road (at the time, the property was located in the county - it's since been annexed by the city of BSL). Click here to read how the standing room only crowd of local residents convinced the Hancock County PZBoard to table the matter.

Click here to read how the matter was ultimately resolved without further citizen input.


Waveland residents - keep asking questions, talk to your neighbors and above all, attend the September meeting. And you can make comments below at the end of this section - it's easy and you may do so anonymously if you wish. Just double click on the "comments" button.


Thanks to all our members and Waveland residents who attended, called or wrote with their concerns, despite personal hardship. And thanks to the Board for their obvious dedication to the citizens of Waveland.

Previous Post - 8/19/2006

This concerns a zoning change request for a large parcel of beachfront property in Waveland.

The Board meets tomorrow night:

Monday, August 28th
6 p.m.
335 Colman Ave, Building 9

CCW members reported that the required signage for this change had not been posted on the property as of Friday, August 25th. They verified this with the zoning office of the city of Waveland.

Friday afternoon, a spokesman for the city told CCW that the Board will need to reschedule the request for rezoning since the legal notification requirements haven't been fulfilled. But they said that all interested Waveland residents should attend this Monday's meeting. This will be an excellent opportunity to learn more about the project and find out when the board will consider the change.

The public notice in the paper reads: Gulf Coast Equities requests a zoning change from R-1 to R-2 on property that they own located on 606 South Beach Boulevard....

One of our members picked up more information from the Waveland Zoning Office. It included a letter written to the Planning and Zoning Commission signed by Micky Lagasse (Hancock County Building Official). The letter is dated August 7th, 2006. It reads in part:

"The property consists of three parcels of land....12.2 acres..2+ acres ...and a lot 100'X94'...

"The request for a change in zoning is due to a change in need for the residents witin Hancock County and especially within the City Limits of Waveland. The devastation of Hurricane Katrina has caused a serious shortage in places for professionals to reside as you are well aware of and we hope this project will be beneficial to the city as a whole.

"Gulf Coast Equities would like to propose a gated town home development for professionals within the proposed areas of change outlined in the previous paragraph. We are prepared if the zoning is changed to

1. Keep the existing 50' set back from the beach,

2. Be prepared to meet and work within the guidelines set fourth under the R-2 Residential Zoning

3. Meet both design and Constructions Standards outlined in the FEMA's Coastal Construction Manual

4. Build to height to meet or exceed FEMA's Recommended Advisory Base Flood Elevation and finally,

5. Will follow all life safety requirements set fourth by the Building Official and the City of Waveland Fire Department.....

Mickey Lagasse


It's our responsibility as citizens and residents to stay informed about upcoming projects and offer our input to elected officials.

Please pass this along and post any comments below.


The Crew at Coastal Community Watch

Visions of the new Waveland

a proposal for the intersection of Waveland Ave. and Hwy 90

Some good news!

The city of Waveland hosted a series of meetings during the last week of June, bringing together residents, business owners, officials and some of the top planners and architects in the country. The intensive brain-storming sessions are called "charrettes" and their goal is to set the tone for future development in the city. Here's a quote from a Sun Herald article by Ryan Lafontaine:

"Charrettes are meant to illuminate the possibilities of what can happen," said Brian Sanderson, deputy director of the Governor's Office of Recovery, which is working with local governments to identify potential funding sources. Sanderson said the meetings are intended to spark public discourse and create guidelines that will steer future building in Waveland. "Many of these ideas may not come to fruition for years and some may never happen," he said. "But, it's a way for the citizens and the local governments to set up a framework that will guide development."


The final presentation of the Waveland charrette will be available soon, but meantime here's a peek at a few of the designs that came out of the meetings. :

a proposal for a market on Coleman Ave.

a proposal for the intersection of 603 and 90

Who pays for all this? Most of it would be funded by savvy developers and business owners who see that preserving our community character will be a tremedous economic asset. Right now, developers from around the world are eyeing the Hancock coast, sizing it up for the future - lots of them with proven track records for building environmenally sound, family- oriented projects.

We need development and we desperately need tax dollars. Our choice now is what type of development we want to support. We can grow into a souless Destin or Gulfshores or we can be the gem of the Gulf, capitializing on our authentic charm and heritage. Either vision is possible.

What you can do...

If you don't make your voice heard now, that choice is left in the hands of a few officials. They need your input. You can start by e-mailing a short note of support and thanks to the Waveland city office. That e-mail address is mayorsoffice@mchsi.com

Thanks to all the members of the Governor's Commission who worked so hard for the citizens of Waveland and kudos to the officials and members of the community who participated.

Supervisors' Race

Your Voice, Your Choice!

The decisions the Hancock County Supervisors make in the next few years will impact this county and all its communities for generations to come. Your vote in the upcoming election will leave a lasting legacy for your grandchildren.

That’s why Coastal Community Watch has set up a Supervisor Candidates’ Forum on the Internet. We've gathered information that will make your decision and the voting process easier.

Double click here to go to the site. Then share the site with your neighbors and friends. The future is up to you.

Link to Sun Herald Article about the site