To the Editor:
If you build it, they will come. In this case, I am speaking about Weed Beach.
Since Memorial Day, those of us who use the beach regularly have waited in eager anticipation for the project’s completion. We have watched expensive shrubbery sit in their containers unwatered and unplanted for weeks, only to be left for dead at taxpayers’ expense. We have seen weeds virtually take over the sand-planted perennials, giving new meaning to Weed Beach. We have watched other expensive plantings wilt and weaken due to a non-functioning in-ground sprinkler system.
Far and away the most bizarre part of the building project has been the removal of dozens of parking spots, which was done to make room for the weeds and wilting perennials and shrubs that were deemed more important than the convenience of parking. For those who get to the beach late morning or early afternoon on the weekend, they have to park way over to the side where a quickly thrown together dirt and rock parking lot was installed to accommodate the overflow. And, because it now appears that no additional impervious surface will be allowed, we now have the wonderful privilege and the joy of dragging our equipment over dirt and rocks to get to the sand.
Last week, the head of Parks and Wreck [sic] was seen yelling at a resident taxpayer who dared to inquire about the condition of the shrubbery, the parking nuisance and the timeline to complete the project. No town employee should ever be allowed to speak to anyone in town with disrespect, arrogance and condescension. It is time to take a look inwards and ask how this happened, who is responsible and when we can have adequate parking back at the beach. Yes, it was built and we have come. Now, can we please fix things and get it right?
Flora Smith
42 Hamilton Lane
