Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use And Parks topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Decatur residents oppose county purchase of 458 Davis Beach Road, cite floodplain, habitat and maintenance concerns
Summary
Residents told the council they oppose San Juan County buying a private parcel adjacent to the Davis Beach ramp, arguing the site is in a shoreline conservancy and FEMA flood plain, is frequently inundated, and that county maintenance shortfalls mean existing infrastructure should be prioritized over new property acquisition.
Residents of Decatur Island urged the San Juan County Council to reconsider a proposed purchase of a private parcel at 458 Davis Beach Road, arguing the land is unsuitable for improved access or parking because it lies in a shoreline conservancy, sits in a FEMA flood plain and is periodically inundated.
Speakers said the county should focus funds on neglected roads and drainage, and that no plan has been provided for how the purchased parcel would be used. They asked for a community‑driven plan for Davis Beach Road before taxpayer dollars are spent.
"I respectfully ask you to redirect resources toward existing infrastructure, engage directly with Decatur residents and develop practical, sustainable solutions," said Mark Wall, a Decatur resident. Wall said he did not oppose a private sale but questioned spending roughly $750,000 of taxpayer money on the parcel while roads, ditches and culverts on Decatur remain neglected.
Debbie Warren, president of a neighbors’ group (stated in public comment), said current land use does not permit a parking lot and that the county could instead widen Davis Beach Road at existing parking areas to create space without buying private property. George Lamb, another Decatur resident, said the site is marshland that floods about every three years, supports significant wetlands and bird populations, and that neighbors living adjacent to the parcel were not informed of potential plans for a dock or other uses.
Jill Bliss suggested the San Juan Preservation Trust might be a better buyer than the county, to conserve the marsh rather than convert it for vehicle use. Fred Yawkers raised separate safety concerns about Baylor Hill Road, describing several drop‑offs where the roadside fall is over six feet and asking county engineers to respond to written concerns.
No formal council action was recorded during the public comment period. Speakers asked the county to produce environmental impact information, confirm whether the parcel is in a shoreline conservancy and FEMA flood plain, publish the county’s proposed use, and engage in direct community planning for ramp access, parking and safety before finalizing any purchase.
