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Residents seek clarity after Cameron Drive segment flagged for abandonment; parish says public access remains
Summary
A property owner asked whether a section of Cameron Drive would be closed or abandoned as the road has largely eroded into the beach. Parish staff said abandoning maintenance would relieve parish liability but would not block public access because state ownership extends to the mean high‑water mark; officials said on‑site cleanup for safety could still occur when needed.
A resident asked the Cameron Parish Police Jury on Jan. 12 whether the parish intended to close or abandon a western section of Cameron Drive that has largely eroded into the Gulf, saying the change could block access to privately owned lots that still appear above water at low tide.
The resident (speaker 14) said Lot 199 remains tax‑assessed to the owner and that occasional low tides reveal dry land; she asked whether abandonment would mean barricades or loss of access. Public works staff (speaker 11) replied that, after consultation with the state and review of maps, much of the shoreline‑adjacent roadway likely falls under state ownership to the mean high‑water mark. Staff said relinquishing maintenance would remove the parish’s responsibility for upkeep and liability for that stretch, but would not prevent public access and would not lead to barricades.
An advisor (speaker 7) explained that state ownership to the mean high watermark typically preserves public access even if the parish abandons maintenance; abandoning the roadway simply removes the parish’s maintenance obligation. Staff added that the parish previously worked with state and local crews to remove hazardous debris and would still act for safety reasons if dangerous materials washed ashore.
Resident concerns focused on preserving physical access to lots and the potential for future changes if sand patterns shift; staff said practical beach conditions (tides and sand deposition) limit the feasibility of maintaining a conventional roadway in the most eroded sections.
What happens next: Staff said the parish intends no barricading of the shoreline access, and will clarify any legal steps with state agencies and counsel before changing maintenance policy.
