Council approves Rosette Beach PUD allowing private streets, gates and amenities

The Galveston City Council unanimously approved an ordinance on Dec. 11 creating a planned unit development overlay for the Rosette Beach project that will allow private streets, gated access and a package of on-site amenities.

Catherine Gorman, planning staff, told the council the request adds a PUD overlay to a traditional neighborhood zoning district solely to permit private streets; no deviations from the land development regulations were requested. "Private streets shall meet all standards for an equivalent public street," she said, and planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval.

Developer Manny Migos described the project as a mixed residential community with amenity buildings that include a gym, clubhouse, a pool and six pickleball courts. "The main purpose for the gates is security," Migos said, adding the development will have two entrances — one for owners and one for non-owners — and a construction gate for trucks. He said beachfront lots will be elevated and reviewed under state beachfront-construction rules.

Council members pressed staff and the developer on maintenance and public access. Staff confirmed private streets would be maintained by a homeowners association and that private streets "could be gated" under the proposal. The council closed the public hearing and voted to adopt the ordinance.

The PUD covers multiple tracts east and west of Paths Road north of the Bermuda Beach subdivision and allows the developer to proceed with private-street infrastructure under the city's standards and state beachfront review processes. The ordinance provides for an effective date upon adoption and requires the developer to meet the city's standards for equivalent public streets.

The council gave final approval at the meeting; staff said future phases and individual lots will be reviewed for construction and infrastructure under applicable regulations.