Pier 19 in Galveston: A Call for Attention
GALVESTON, Texas – The condition of Pier 19 is under scrutiny as local business owners voice concerns about its upkeep. Key issues include worn boards, uneven surfaces, aging pilings, and areas where the concrete appears to be sinking.
Buddy Gwendon, with nearly 50 years on these docks, is particularly vocal about the situation. As the owner of Katie’s Seafood Market and Katie’s Seafood House, he emphasizes the need for immediate repairs, citing safety as a primary concern. “If I was walking here at night and got to here — right on my face,” he warned, demonstrating how unstable timber boards can be easily shifted.
Gwendon advocates for replacing the old wood and installing stronger pilings to withstand hurricanes, asserting, “Fix what’s broken.”
Port Director and CEO Rodger Rees recognizes the issues but believes the pier is safe. He notes that approximately $600,000 has already been invested in repairs recently. “Maintaining a working pier in a saltwater environment is a constant battle,” Rees stated.
Currently, discussions are underway with Royal Caribbean regarding a new cruise terminal at Pier 14, which could impact plans for Pier 19. Rees mentioned that any substantial changes should be strategic, to avoid unnecessary reinvestments.
Amid these developments, Gwendon hopes that the historical significance of Pier 19 is not overlooked in pursuit of modernization.
