Comments on: The Issue http://www.save-our-beaches.org Fighting to Preserve a Century of Public Access Sun, 19 Jun 2011 02:57:57 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: J http://www.save-our-beaches.org/the-issue/comment-page-3/#comment-4135 J Sun, 19 Jun 2011 02:57:57 +0000 http://ecbiz71.inmotionhosting.com/~saveou7/?page_id=56#comment-4135 My grandparents also purchased land in the 1930s, built a beautiful home that survived the great fire, and owned several cottages that they later sold (unfortunately for all of us - if he'd only known how values would go up!). I was raised largely on Goose Rocks Beach, and it was a considerable family tragedy when taxes and ill fortune forced my parents to sell that classic home (our homestead), and a further tragedy when the new owners tore it down (with difficulty, I heard, because it was so beautifully built). As to the privacy of Goose Rocks, it is my understanding (by hearsay) that the reason the property owners are pressing this suit is that people have MIS-used the beach. We, too, living at the beach for so long, were saddened by the behavior of so many on the beach. As if it weren't enough that the rampant (including non-native) beach grass has taken over the sand, pulling it up into the roots so that no longer are our ankles buried in white softness when we walk (and reducing the width of the beach of course), one-time or short-term visitors (one can only assume) with no stake in maintaining the quality of the beach build their fires above the high-tide mark, leaving behind blackened sand and charred remains where only soft sand should be. This is not to mention loud partying and left-behind trash. The idea of tearing the beach apart into tiny strips of Private Property is, obviously, ludicrous... But when I consider some of the behavior I've witnessed on Goose Rocks, and imagine it being in what is in effect my own front yard, it becomes easy to see why the property owners might be upset. If our society were a little less litigious and more reasonable, perhaps we could come to a quieter solution, involving the rights of people who (absurd as it may seem) do in fact own the beach to enforcement of a certain standard of behavior from those who use it. It is my understanding, for example, that bonfires were only ever allowed at the central, public portion of the beach. In the old days, we also all knew enough to build them where the returning tide would cleanse the beach of their remains. And, for heaven's sake, it can't be too much to ask that police enforce a certain degree of quiet in the evenings, etc. Perhaps this is far too optimistic in a society that includes both those who do not choose to behave in a respectful and respectable manner, too few of us who feel that they should be required to do so, and a few who are truly grasping and ungenerous enough to limit access to a treasure that, surely, belongs to us all. My grandparents also purchased land in the 1930s, built a beautiful home that survived the great fire, and owned several cottages that they later sold (unfortunately for all of us – if he’d only known how values would go up!). I was raised largely on Goose Rocks Beach, and it was a considerable family tragedy when taxes and ill fortune forced my parents to sell that classic home (our homestead), and a further tragedy when the new owners tore it down (with difficulty, I heard, because it was so beautifully built).

As to the privacy of Goose Rocks, it is my understanding (by hearsay) that the reason the property owners are pressing this suit is that people have MIS-used the beach. We, too, living at the beach for so long, were saddened by the behavior of so many on the beach. As if it weren’t enough that the rampant (including non-native) beach grass has taken over the sand, pulling it up into the roots so that no longer are our ankles buried in white softness when we walk (and reducing the width of the beach of course), one-time or short-term visitors (one can only assume) with no stake in maintaining the quality of the beach build their fires above the high-tide mark, leaving behind blackened sand and charred remains where only soft sand should be. This is not to mention loud partying and left-behind trash.

The idea of tearing the beach apart into tiny strips of Private Property is, obviously, ludicrous… But when I consider some of the behavior I’ve witnessed on Goose Rocks, and imagine it being in what is in effect my own front yard, it becomes easy to see why the property owners might be upset.

If our society were a little less litigious and more reasonable, perhaps we could come to a quieter solution, involving the rights of people who (absurd as it may seem) do in fact own the beach to enforcement of a certain standard of behavior from those who use it. It is my understanding, for example, that bonfires were only ever allowed at the central, public portion of the beach. In the old days, we also all knew enough to build them where the returning tide would cleanse the beach of their remains. And, for heaven’s sake, it can’t be too much to ask that police enforce a certain degree of quiet in the evenings, etc.

Perhaps this is far too optimistic in a society that includes both those who do not choose to behave in a respectful and respectable manner, too few of us who feel that they should be required to do so, and a few who are truly grasping and ungenerous enough to limit access to a treasure that, surely, belongs to us all.

]]> By: And We are Back! http://www.save-our-beaches.org/the-issue/comment-page-3/#comment-2836 And We are Back! Tue, 01 Mar 2011 20:48:44 +0000 http://ecbiz71.inmotionhosting.com/~saveou7/?page_id=56#comment-2836 <i>My family history goes back to 1926 when my Grandfather purchased the home at 15 New Biddeford Road from a close friend. The family had been coming here for five years before that and fell in love with Goose Rocks Beach. The original home burned in that awful fire in the 40′s and my Mother built a new smaller cottage to replace the one we lost – there was no other place we would go other than GRB!In 1997 we had the cottage removed and we built a year round home.Again, there was never any thought of any place to build other than GRB.So now 84 years of family history is trying to be destroyed by a group who feels so privileged that they will keep my grandchildren from the beach and creating there own history and love of GRB.How very sad !!! However, as someone else stated, we will walk the beach and sit, and sun, and life at GRB will go on despite the elite attitude of a SMALL group who have no history is comparison to my family!!!!</i> +1 My family history goes back to 1926 when my Grandfather purchased the home at 15 New Biddeford Road from a close friend. The family had been coming here for five years before that and fell in love with Goose Rocks Beach. The original home burned in that awful fire in the 40′s and my Mother built a new smaller cottage to replace the one we lost – there was no other place we would go other than GRB!In 1997 we had the cottage removed and we built a year round home.Again, there was never any thought of any place to build other than GRB.So now 84 years of family history is trying to be destroyed by a group who feels so privileged that they will keep my grandchildren from the beach and creating there own history and love of GRB.How very sad !!! However, as someone else stated, we will walk the beach and sit, and sun, and life at GRB will go on despite the elite attitude of a SMALL group who have no history is comparison to my family!!!!
+1

]]> By: William M. Auty http://www.save-our-beaches.org/the-issue/comment-page-3/#comment-2669 William M. Auty Wed, 15 Dec 2010 18:47:33 +0000 http://ecbiz71.inmotionhosting.com/~saveou7/?page_id=56#comment-2669 From 1949 to the present my family have always enjoyed vacationing at Goose Rocks Beach in August of every year. I view it as a great tragedy that the selfish intentions of a few would close this treasure down for the rest of us. I don't know what I can do to stop this event from happening, but for now I will send my donations to help fight this injustice from happening. Also as a practicing accountant perhaps my services may be of help to your organization in finding ways through federal and state tax law that may stop this issue from becoming a reality. From 1949 to the present my family have always enjoyed vacationing at Goose Rocks Beach in August of every year. I view it as a great tragedy that the selfish intentions of a few would close this treasure down for the rest of us. I don’t know what I can do to stop this event from happening, but for now I will send my donations to help fight this injustice from happening. Also as a practicing accountant perhaps my services may be of help to your organization in finding ways through federal and state tax law that may stop this issue from becoming a reality.

]]> By: Betty Tacy http://www.save-our-beaches.org/the-issue/comment-page-3/#comment-1125 Betty Tacy Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:45:01 +0000 http://ecbiz71.inmotionhosting.com/~saveou7/?page_id=56#comment-1125 My family history goes back to 1926 when my Grandfather purchased the home at 15 New Biddeford Road from a close friend. The family had been coming here for five years before that and fell in love with Goose Rocks Beach. The original home burned in that awful fire in the 40's and my Mother built a new smaller cottage to replace the one we lost - there was no other place we would go other than GRB! In 1997 we had the cottage removed and we built a year round home. Again, there was never any thought of any place to build other than GRB. So now 84 years of family history is trying to be destroyed by a group who feels so privileged that they will keep my grandchildren from the beach and creating there own history and love of GRB. How very sad !!! However, as someone else stated, we will walk the beach and sit, and sun, and life at GRB will go on despite the elite attitude of a SMALL group who have no history is comparison to my family!!!! My family history goes back to 1926 when my Grandfather purchased the home at 15 New Biddeford Road from a close friend. The family had been coming here for five years before that and fell in love with Goose Rocks Beach. The original home burned in that awful fire in the 40′s and my Mother built a new smaller cottage to replace the one we lost – there was no other place we would go other than GRB!
In 1997 we had the cottage removed and we built a year round home.
Again, there was never any thought of any place to build other than GRB.
So now 84 years of family history is trying to be destroyed by a group who feels so privileged that they will keep my grandchildren from the beach and creating there own history and love of GRB.
How very sad !!! However, as someone else stated, we will walk the beach and sit, and sun, and life at GRB will go on despite the elite attitude of a SMALL group who have no history is comparison to my family!!!!

]]> By: Maurene McAllum http://www.save-our-beaches.org/the-issue/comment-page-2/#comment-1119 Maurene McAllum Mon, 07 Jun 2010 22:21:31 +0000 http://ecbiz71.inmotionhosting.com/~saveou7/?page_id=56#comment-1119 <i>I have spent summers at Goose Rocks Beach for the past 31 years. When I was ten years old my parents built a house just past the community house. We would drive up to Maine the day after school let out and stay until the day before school started. We spent every day on the beach rain or shine. I took swimming lessons, in the freezing cold ocean, in front of the Anchorage, we participated in sand castle contests in front of the Tides, we walked down to the “river” to look for crabs and past the store to climb the rocks. As I got older, I would meet my friends on the beach every afternoon and we would walk from one end of the beach to the other talking, laughing and gossiping. It seemed every family had a “spot” on the beach. You always knew there would be a familiar face to say hello to and a mom or dad sitting on the beach watching out for you. </i> +1 I have spent summers at Goose Rocks Beach for the past 31 years. When I was ten years old my parents built a house just past the community house. We would drive up to Maine the day after school let out and stay until the day before school started. We spent every day on the beach rain or shine. I took swimming lessons, in the freezing cold ocean, in front of the Anchorage, we participated in sand castle contests in front of the Tides, we walked down to the “river” to look for crabs and past the store to climb the rocks. As I got older, I would meet my friends on the beach every afternoon and we would walk from one end of the beach to the other talking, laughing and gossiping. It seemed every family had a “spot” on the beach. You always knew there would be a familiar face to say hello to and a mom or dad sitting on the beach watching out for you.
+1

]]> By: Hard Working Taxpayer http://www.save-our-beaches.org/the-issue/comment-page-2/#comment-1118 Hard Working Taxpayer Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:16:34 +0000 http://ecbiz71.inmotionhosting.com/~saveou7/?page_id=56#comment-1118 This person's response is what bloggers refer to as a TROLL. What is his point? We cannot be sure.... He is angry and scared that what he perceives as his "right" by way of monetary merit , will be stripped from him. This is not about wanting to BBQ in his backyard. No one wants to assert that. If we were to proceed with " Jim's" logic, certainly one can ascertain that those who are even fortunate enough to vacation in Maine, Kennebunkport, and even rent on GRB are in the top 1% of the WORLD'S money earners. So, in fact, the many families who have enjoyed this beach have certainly, by this man's standards, earned enough money to recount their stories of family memories and valued times at GRB. No one who is lazy can afford to come to KPT Maine to vacation - full stop. I would ask Jim, please consider the fact that you are in fact being subsidized by the US government in your own tax breaks, and that those who are also homeowners here in Kennebunkport and those who pay to rent homes on GRB are not asking for a handout from your backyard. If you continue on the vein of argumentation, you will never have any peace or resolution in your life. I can only hope for you, coming from me, a hard working taxpayer, that you will find a way to authentic dialogue to have your property needs met, rather than spurious and fire breathing cantankerousness. This person’s response is what bloggers refer to as a TROLL. What is his point? We cannot be sure….

He is angry and scared that what he perceives as his “right” by way of monetary merit , will be stripped from him. This is not about wanting to BBQ in his backyard. No one wants to assert that.

If we were to proceed with ” Jim’s” logic, certainly one can ascertain that those who are even fortunate enough to vacation in Maine, Kennebunkport, and even rent on GRB are in the top 1% of the WORLD’S money earners. So, in fact, the many families who have enjoyed this beach have certainly, by this man’s standards, earned enough money to recount their stories of family memories and valued times at GRB.

No one who is lazy can afford to come to KPT Maine to vacation – full stop.

I would ask Jim, please consider the fact that you are in fact being subsidized by the US government in your own tax breaks, and that those who are also homeowners here in Kennebunkport and those who pay to rent homes on GRB are not asking for a handout from your backyard.

If you continue on the vein of argumentation, you will never have any peace or resolution in your life. I can only hope for you, coming from me, a hard working taxpayer, that you will find a way to authentic dialogue to have your property needs met, rather than spurious and fire breathing cantankerousness.

]]> By: Jim http://www.save-our-beaches.org/the-issue/comment-page-2/#comment-1001 Jim Sat, 29 May 2010 23:31:57 +0000 http://ecbiz71.inmotionhosting.com/~saveou7/?page_id=56#comment-1001 I am a homeowner on Goose Rocks Beach and all I have to say to you whiners is to stop being so lazy and earn enough money to buy a house on the beach yourself. Why should we have to subsidize your vacations? We don't ask to have a barbeque in your backyard in the summer. Stay out of my backyard! I am a homeowner on Goose Rocks Beach and all I have to say to you whiners is to stop being so lazy and earn enough money to buy a house on the beach yourself. Why should we have to subsidize your vacations? We don’t ask to have a barbeque in your backyard in the summer. Stay out of my backyard!

]]> By: mic.harris http://www.save-our-beaches.org/the-issue/comment-page-2/#comment-616 mic.harris Wed, 21 Apr 2010 22:21:50 +0000 http://ecbiz71.inmotionhosting.com/~saveou7/?page_id=56#comment-616 Hello, Carol. I think there is a great deal of scrutiny going on even as we speak, and I do believe we might find a few interesting documents! I trust in the process, and the people, that love this beach like we do, and thanks for your very kind comments. Best, Mic Harris Chair Hello, Carol. I think there is a great deal of scrutiny going on even as we speak, and I do believe we might find a few interesting documents! I trust in the process, and the people, that love this beach like we do, and thanks for your very kind comments.

Best,

Mic Harris
Chair

]]> By: Carol Gray http://www.save-our-beaches.org/the-issue/comment-page-2/#comment-610 Carol Gray Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:32:43 +0000 http://ecbiz71.inmotionhosting.com/~saveou7/?page_id=56#comment-610 I am wondering if anyone is checking deeds of the people who are attempting to make the beach private and find out exactly when "to the low water mark" was added to deeds. My mother who at one time owned property in Cape Porpoise was told to go ahead and add that her property went to the center of the back cove which came up behind our house to her deed. She refused. I seldom get to the beach but fully support your attemt to keep the beach open. Carol Gray I am wondering if anyone is checking deeds of the people who are attempting to make the beach private and find out exactly when “to the low water mark” was added to deeds. My mother who at one time owned property in Cape Porpoise was told to go ahead and add that her property went to the center of the back cove which came up behind our house to her deed. She refused. I seldom get to the beach but fully support your attemt to keep the beach open. Carol Gray

]]> By: Teri Scibelli http://www.save-our-beaches.org/the-issue/comment-page-2/#comment-499 Teri Scibelli Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:52:29 +0000 http://ecbiz71.inmotionhosting.com/~saveou7/?page_id=56#comment-499 I have spent summers at Goose Rocks Beach for the past 31 years. When I was ten years old my parents built a house just past the community house. We would drive up to Maine the day after school let out and stay until the day before school started. We spent every day on the beach rain or shine. I took swimming lessons, in the freezing cold ocean, in front of the Anchorage, we participated in sand castle contests in front of the Tides, we walked down to the “river” to look for crabs and past the store to climb the rocks. As I got older, I would meet my friends on the beach every afternoon and we would walk from one end of the beach to the other talking, laughing and gossiping. It seemed every family had a “spot” on the beach. You always knew there would be a familiar face to say hello to and a mom or dad sitting on the beach watching out for you. The fondest memories of my childhood are centered around Goose Rocks. I feel so lucky to be able to share that with my own children now. I have pushed my children in carriages from one end of the beach to the other. I have jogged up and down the beach and spent numerous early mornings chasing a child on the beach so as not to wake the rest of the family before 6am. Goose Rocks is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. The thought that a few people would attempt to prevent so many from enjoying this wonderful place is very sad. I have spent summers at Goose Rocks Beach for the past 31 years. When I was ten years old my parents built a house just past the community house. We would drive up to Maine the day after school let out and stay until the day before school started. We spent every day on the beach rain or shine. I took swimming lessons, in the freezing cold ocean, in front of the Anchorage, we participated in sand castle contests in front of the Tides, we walked down to the “river” to look for crabs and past the store to climb the rocks. As I got older, I would meet my friends on the beach every afternoon and we would walk from one end of the beach to the other talking, laughing and gossiping. It seemed every family had a “spot” on the beach. You always knew there would be a familiar face to say hello to and a mom or dad sitting on the beach watching out for you.

The fondest memories of my childhood are centered around Goose Rocks. I feel so lucky to be able to share that with my own children now. I have pushed my children in carriages from one end of the beach to the other. I have jogged up and down the beach and spent numerous early mornings chasing a child on the beach so as not to wake the rest of the family before 6am. Goose Rocks is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. The thought that a few people would attempt to prevent so many from enjoying this wonderful place is very sad.

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