History of the Jamaica Beach Improvement Committee • Galveston Island, Texas, USA

The Jamaica Beach Improvement Committee is an association of property owners in the Jamaica Beach Community, probably better understood as a civic or neighborhood association.
Brief History

When the area was "discovered" in the early 1950's by a wealthy Houston fishing and hunting enthusiast, Bob Smith, he invited six friends to join him in developing a beach play land.

The group formed in 1956 as Jamaica Beach, Ltd. and in 1959 incorporated as Jamaica Beach Inc. In 1966 the name was changed again to Jamaica Resort Corporation. When the group decided to offer a nationwide stock sale they once more changed the name to Timewealth^*. During this time By-laws and Deed Restrictions were adopted to insure a continued orderly progression of the developing suburb.

As the area developed, various sections were created and maintenance fees assigned. As sections were added the restrictions were not always identical and remains that way today. Maintenance fees also vary according to type of lot and section location.

The Present

Contrary to Deed Restrictions of Jamaica Beach, which contains many variables, the By-laws is the responsibility of a board of "not less than 3 or no more than 5" elected members. They serve two year terms for no compensation and appoint their own officers.

The duties of the Board center mainly on enforcement of Deed Restrictions, collection of maintenance fees and working with the city to control violations related to those restrictions and the By-laws of JBIC. The objective is to assist in protecting the rights of all property owners and assist in maintaining the value of property according to the By-laws.

In 2000, CKM Management, which reports to the board, was engaged to notify property owners of violations of Deed Restrictions and By-laws and request compliance. Maintenance fees are collected by the management company and are used to assist in community projects and maintenance of certain public areas.

The board is interested in improving awareness of property owners to both the By-laws and Deed restrictions. They invite participation at the monthly meetings and involvement in various projects within the community. Attendees at the meetings have an opportunity to discuss concerns.

JBIC is not empowered to replace or duplicate city ordinances or efforts of the City Council. As new guidelines by State and Federal governments related to beach areas add to our concerns the duty of working together is a point of increasing importance. The JBIC encourages all property owners to participate in the meetings.

This page was updated August 21, 2008.