Viewpoints
Proposed subdivision will
deny public access to Herring Cove
By Joan Beraldi
September 07, 2006
Thursday
There is a proposed subdivision by Mr. Ron Fitzgerald to build
residential condos on the town side of Herring Cove within the
patented tideland areas. This will severely impact all residents
of Ketchikan who enjoy fishing from the beach at Herring Cove.
This proposed development will remove the existing beach access
and fill in portions of the tidelands. Mr. Fitzgerald is attempting
to replace the existing designated public access easement with
a less desirable, multi use, upland easement. I am writing to
urge the public to attend the Army Corp of Engineers public meeting
on Wednesday 9/6/06 at the Ted Ferry Civic Center from 6-9 pm
to voice objection to removal of this public access.
On the surface of this proposal it appears as if Mr. Fitzgerald
is providing public access to this valuable recreational area,
but in reality he will eliminate the existing 50 feet by 100
ft. public access along the beach. The easement he is proposing
replaces beach frontage access with access that will have the
condos between it and the beach where people fish. This proposed
access is not designated solely for the purpose of public access
to the beach. Mr. Fitzgerald combines public access with utility
easement, parking, and storage. The proposed substitute easement
provides access only to the point area which is not within the
area of Herring Cove that the public traditionally fishes within.
Joan Beraldi
Ketchikan, AK - USA
Received 09/06/06 - Published
09/07/06
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