09/29/2019
Sunset Beach Voters
The SSB dredging project has now been in the planning phase for five (5) years, with no solution in sight! SSB has already spent $600,000 for the planning!
Are you aware how this project could affect you and your heirs?
The main and disputed part of the project is to dredge S.Jinks creek (later N. Jinks creek) to a depth of 5’-6’ MLW and width of 80’-100’ to provide deep water-deep draft boat access to the Intracoastal Waterway. This dispute has delayed the maintenance dredging of previously dredged canals in the original proposal and the costs have gone up 35%. It is the insistence of less than 1% of the citizens that Jinks creek is dredged that has delayed the dredging of the canals. Based on experts and scientists, dredging Jinks creek could have a negative effect on our fragile environment.
Recently an article in the Beacon was published regarding a similar project at OIB. A survey was taken of property owners and the project was cancelled. Why doesn’t the SSB Council do the same thing to determine what property owners want?
Will SSB property owners decide or five members of the SSB Town Council? Prior to 2013, a survey would have been required and a 50% +1 majority of property owners would have decided. In 2013, the Council changed the rules regarding special assessments allowing the Council to make these decisions.
If the project is approved, the town of SSB will pay the 33% cost not covered in the state grant and loan this money to the affected property owners allowing them (2) years to repay with no interest.
What can you do? VOTE EARLY OCT 16th-NOV 1st or NOV 5th. You can affect the final outcome of the dredging project with your vote!
