Georgetown City Council – during a specially-called
meeting Thursday – gave first reading approval to an ordinance authorizing
ratifying and amending the city’s memorandum of understanding regarding
potential future public access to the Cannon Street Waterfront.
At issue is a bulkhead that is planned for the
waterfront at the end of Cannon Street on both property owned by the city and
by Tarbox Court LLC.
The city entered into a memorandum of understanding
with Tarbox Court in October 2024. The amendment given first reading approval
Thursday states that once the bulkhead is complete, “the area between the terminus
of Cannon Street and the bulkhead may remain at a lower elevation than surrounding
grades.”
The entire cost of the bulkhead permitting and
construction will be paid by Tarbox Court, the amendment states.
The amendment also states Tarbox Court “will provide
safe pedestrian access from Cannon Street to future docks agreed upon for
public use along the Sampit River.”
In a letter to the editor published in October, Perry
Collins – representing Tarbox Court – said the bulkhead system is needed “to
safeguard the shoreline from stormwater and erosion.” He said it will protect “both
our property and neighboring homes, ensuring environmental responsibility
and resilience along the Sampit River.”
During the past year, some residents have expressed
concerns about how the new bulkheads will impact flooding during heavy rains in
their neighborhood and beyond.
A resident spoke Thursday night saying more time and
study is needed before the MOU amendments are approved. Here is what she had to
say followed by the council discussion and vote:
Final reading and vote is expected to take place
Thursday.