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This serves as notification from the Shore Protection Committee and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources of a request from St. Simons Coast Cottages Neighborhood Association, Inc. for a Shore Protection Act (SPA) permit under Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.) 12-5-230 et seq. for modification of an existing wooden crosswalk within the State’s SPA jurisdiction at 2 Coast Cottages Lane #15000, St. Simons Island, Glynn County, Georgia. The proposed project is considered a minor activity under O.C.G.A. 12-5-230 et. seq.
SPA Permit #246 was issued October 24, 1995 and authorized the construction and maintenance of a dune crosswalk to provide beach access to the homeowners. A Letter of Permission was issued October 13, 2011 for a 100ft. extension to the seaward terminus of the crosswalk in response to sand dune accretion.
The area within jurisdiction consists of vegetated dynamic dune field and a 5.76ft. x 138.83ft. (801sq.ft.) crosswalk extending seaward from a community facility landward of SPA jurisdiction.
Due to a continued trend of accretion in this area, the applicant proposes to extend the crosswalk by 327 linear feet. The proposed crosswalk extension would be 6ft. x 327ft. (1,962sq.ft.) and be raised 29in. above the sand throughout its length. The stairs at terminal end of the proposed crosswalk would terminate 308 feet landward of the current ordinary high-water mark. Total impacts within SPA jurisdiction of the existing and proposed crosswalk will be approximately 2,763sq.ft.
All work within jurisdiction will be accomplished using low impact hand tools. Any necessary heavy equipment will be operated from the crosswalk.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate that the project is not contrary to the public interest and that no feasible alternative sites exist. In passing upon the application for permit, the permit issuing authority shall consider the public interest which for purposes of this part shall be deemed to be the following considerations: (1) Whether or not unreasonably harmful, increased alteration of the dynamic dune field or submerged lands, or function of the sand-sharing system will be created; (2) Whether or not the granting of a permit and the completion of the applicant's proposal will unreasonably interfere with the conservation of marine life, wildlife, or other resources; and (3) Whether or not the granting of a permit and the completion of the applicant's proposal will unreasonably interfere with reasonable access by and recreational use and enjoyment of public properties impacted by the project.
A detailed public notice with drawings has been distributed and is available by visiting the Department of Natural Resources website: CoastalGaDNR.org under “Public Notices.”
Please provide this office with substantive, site-specific comments as to why the proposed work should or should not proceed. Comments and questions concerning this proposed project should be submitted in writing and be submitted by the close of business on March 23, 2022 to Beth Byrnes, Department of Natural Resources, One Conservation Way, Brunswick, Georgia 31520.
Click here for the Application
