Council hears plan to add roughly 50–60 public parking spaces at Buckroe Bayfront

City staff explained that the Buckroe Bayfront master plan includes converting public right‑of‑ways on the east side of North 1st Street (at Pilot, Richmond and Tappan) into public parking to improve access to the northern end of Buckroe beach.

Joe Wallace and planning staff said the master‑plan concept calls for "somewhere between 50 and 60 spaces for those 3 areas." Wallace said the change would make additional beach areas accessible, noting existing restroom and lifeguard infrastructure in the northern stretch. The item was presented as part of the Bayfront initiative and staff said it will appear on the evening agenda for a formal vote.

Council members supported the idea in principle but urged staff to consult neighboring residents before beginning construction. One council member cautioned: "I don't want us to go out there with a piece of powered equipment and have them find out we're gonna do that then." Staff said community outreach will be part of the next steps.