Dune work worries folks

UTMSI housing being built



A bulldozer shaves native grasses off a dune in preparation for the construction of a new student housing complex at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute. The damage to the cluster of dunes in Old Town concerns some residents who do not want to see the scenery change, and they fear it could weaken the natural protection against storm surges. Staff photo by Freda Greene

A bulldozer shaves native grasses off a dune in preparation for the construction of a new student housing complex at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute. The damage to the cluster of dunes in Old Town concerns some residents who do not want to see the scenery change, and they fear it could weaken the natural protection against storm surges. Staff photo by Freda Greene

A scenic cluster of dunes across Cotter Avenue from the main campus of the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) will be transformed by the construction of a new student housing complex, according to an institute spokesperson.

The size and shape of some of the dunes will be significantly changed by the construction work, according to Sally Palmer, communications coordinator for UTMSI. “The project site is being graded, and the sand is used onsite for fill before construction,” she said. “The housing has been designed to preserve as much dune as possible.”

The impact on the dunes is worrying some Port Aransas residents who cite concerns about aesthetics and the possibility that the city could become more vulnerable to a hurricane if the dunes are altered, despite assurances to the contrary from UTMSI. Bulldozers are now grading some of the dunes, removing native grasses and vines from the surfaces and relocating the sand.

Plant growth on the sand helps to keep the dunes intact. Sand dunes provide natural protection against storm surge to prevent flooding and structural damage. They also support ecological habitat and serve as sand storage areas to replenish eroded beaches.

Critics of the construction of new student housing at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute say they are witnessing the destruction of the habitat as the bulldozers grade the dunes, removing natural grasses and sand. The first to go was a kettle of kestrel hawks living and hunting on the dunes, according to Port Aransas resident Kodi Cibulka. Staff photo by Freda Greene

Critics of the construction of new student housing at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute say they are witnessing the destruction of the habitat as the bulldozers grade the dunes, removing natural grasses and sand. The first to go was a kettle of kestrel hawks living and hunting on the dunes, according to Port Aransas resident Kodi Cibulka. Staff photo by Freda Greene

“I’m a little concerned by what I am seeing,” said Jill Brodnax, who lives near the dunes that are in the oldest part of the city. “I walk with my dog down there, and it’s a little shocking to see how much is gone.”

Brodnax said that although she is concerned about preservation of the dunes for their beauty and for the ecological habitat, her chief concern is storm safety. “I would definitely be concerned because of the hurricane season,” she said. “You don’t know what is going to happen with tidal surge.”

Palmer said that the project on land owned by the State of Texas is being designed and constructed to meet current local, state, University of Texas and national building codes. State agencies are not required to obtain building permits, but all city requirements will be met anyway, she said. “The project far exceeds the 1,000 feet landward of mean high tide, which is the critical dune protection line designated by the Texas General Land Office and the City of Port Aransas Coastal Management Plan,” she said. “Our project meets all local and state regulations for preserving critical dune habitat.”

Natives of Port Aransas long ago unofficially named the two largest dunes in the cluster White Hill and Army Hill. The first got its name because the sand on top of it appeared whiter in the sun than other dunes, and the second for its proximity to the ruins of a World War II coastal gun battery put in place because of concerns about the possibility of the German enemy appearing in the Gulf of Mexico.

Palmer said she could not say if White Hill and Army Hill could be impacted. The construction fencing runs across those dunes, but not everything within the fence will be affected, she said.

“I’ve never heard those names before, and I don’t know where they are and if they will be affected,” she said. (Palmer said that any residents with concerns about the project can call her at 361-749-6841.)

Kodi Cibulka said damage to White Hill has already begun with excavation on the beach side of it, and the habitat is being disturbed. A kettle of kestrel hawks living and hunting on the dune left after the fence was erected. “I’ve been concerned ever since they put the fence up,” she said. “I find it very unfortunate.”

Cibulka said that her household and two others near the affected dunes are joining together in attempt to explore the possibility of stopping the dune destruction. They hope that there is a historical significance to the dunes that could alter the plans, and they have contacted the Texas Historical Commission for advice. They are going to demand to see the plans.

Suzanna Reeder said she appreciates the concerns of people who want to preserve the character of the old part of town. “People like to reminisce about things and places they saw long ago,” she said. “So much is changing and if we can keep that nucleus the same it would be good.”

Amy Sullivan, a neighbor of Cibulka, said she considers the dune destruction not to be environmentally sound, nor safe for Port Aransas’ residences and business community. She saw a bulldozer on top of a large dune. “The destruction of the dune will remove a barrier that helps prevent flooding from large tidal surges or hurricanes, especially in the Old Town area,” she said. “If something can be done to stop it, I think that should happen.”

Julie Findley called the destruction of some of the dunes a shame. “I would hope they would take into consideration of building into the dunes rather than tearing them down,” she said. “I hate to see it.” She also wondered why UTMSI chose to build a new complex, rather than redoing and adding on to the existing dormitories.

UTMSI broke ground on the project April 12. The need for the new housing grew out of destruction caused to the campus by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The complex will support 34 graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and undergraduate students. There will be 14 single-story structures in a mix of single and double units and duplexes.

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