State Seeking to Close Rollover Pass After Almost 60 Years, to Residents’ Regret
“And now, saying Hurricane Ike did so much damage it’s pointless to rebuild, the state is seeking to close Rollover down.
They have a $6 million plan to build new fishing spots and recreational facilities, and they’re ready to use eminent domain to condemn the land and take it.
Everything will likely end up in court at some point, but for now the weapons are a petition by those opposed to closing Rollover, and studies and appeals to the public by government officials.
The Gulf Coast Rod, Reel, and Gun Club and the Gilchrist Community Association own the land, and they say the state is more interested in well-to-do Galveston weekenders than it is in the people who’ve fished the Pass for decades.
The two sides don’t agree on much, but the state does have the eminent-domain hammer, and that’s a big hammer.
Patterson has asked Galveston County officials to start the ball rolling on condemnation, but we’re sure there are still some courthouse visits to be made before anything is settled.”
Connelly, Richard. Houston Press 29 March 2013.