Dear Editor, Letter to Caller/Times, Nov. 26, 2005

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Beach Parking Lots, Bad Idea!
Dear Editor,
The argument rages on, will we keep the beaches and beach access as it is or change it drastically, banning vehicles from driving on the beach?
The op-ed piece by Charles E. Porter (Fri., Nov. 25,) calls for the total ban of beach traffic. His claim is this traffic is causing environmental damage to the beaches.
His solution? Build parking lots and let folks walk to the beach.
That is no realistic option. First of all, building parking lots in or near the dune areas, with adjoining pathways cut through the dunes to the beach would be a tremendous ecological disaster.
Studies have been done, by the state GLO in conjunction with the Federal Department of the Interior and other entities, that show a clear link and a cycle that connects the sand bars, the beach and the dunes. The gist of the GLO/Interior Dept. study shows that where dune destruction occurs beaches and sand bars become depleted also. Any kind of construction on the beach or in the sand dunes has a negative effect on this cycle.
Especially destructive to beaches are sea walls and jetties. It's the sea wall itself that has caused that beach to erode so much. Parking lots are an even more horrendous idea.
It has been estimated that over 50,000 people have gathered in the J.P. Luby beach area during busy summer days when events take place there. How many cars are on area beaches in peak summer areas? How can we possibly build enough parking lots for all these cars? And at what environmental cost?
This is a terrible idea. Will we see armies of tourists carrying all their beach equipment, fishing gear, coolers, surfboards and other items in columns back and forth through the dunes? What about handicapped persons that can now enjoy the beach nearly anywhere they want?
Cars leave a small "tire print" on the beach that soon blows away in the sea breeze. Parking lots, sea walls and beach development are the real culprits in beach and environmental damage.
This issue is headed towards a vote. Sign the petitions going around and then vote and make your voice heard. No City Council has a right to infringe on the status of our local beaches.
Sincerely,
Dicky Neely




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