This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Do What’s Right

In response to Hugh Birdsall’s April 8 letter “A Small First Step,” I feel compelled to respond to this problem. This situation exists at all the shoreline beaches as I recall only too well when Ned Coll attempted to open them many years ago. While I agree completely with the premise of this letter, as a resident I see the other side of the problem.

In my 25-plus years I have lived in both Old Saybrook and Westbrook, at times I have been turned away from the beaches when parking lots were full. The Westbrook Town Beach is quite large and a very safe place for little kids—I know that from growing up here in the 40s and 50s. Like all the other towns, Westbrook has grown remarkably, and on weekends, the parking lot is often full. Old Saybrook has several beaches—Town Beach, Harvey’s Beach, Indian Town Saybrook Manor, Cornfield Point—all of which are very small beaches no where near big enough for residents, let alone visitors and renters.

I am not the only one who has been turned away; I have witnessed drivers screaming at the guards about the full parking lot at Town Beach so they attempt to park illegally on the side of Route 154. And then there are those who stake out their territory at 7 a.m. and come back for the day well before 10. To open the beaches is a noble idea, deserves consideration and, at the same time, it could cause problems including but not limited to the anger of residents whose taxes support the beaches.

The beaches and lifestyle are why we live here and the greatest asset for all the towns. Let’s not squander the opportunity to do what’s right for everyone.

Sybil Nassau

Westbrook