A beach invasion of sorts is developing in the Acoaxet section of Westport as nearby neighbors and environmentalists square off against the town on its plans to develop a pristine portion of shoreline into public space. The area in question adjoins the beloved Knubble climbing rocks, but has always lacked parking and public access. A narrow dirt road connects lower River Road to the beach area, but most visitors have traditionally come in by foot. That all changed when the town suddenly widened the path to some 20 feet in August. Concerned neighbors began discussions with a three-person beach committee from the town to see if there was a compromise that could be reached.
All seemed to be proceeding nicely until the town itself moved ahead a few weeks later, apparently against the recommendations of the committee, and not only widened the street still further but trucked off a large amount of the protective sand dune as well. The area in question abuts donated conservation land on one side and is protected by environmental ordinances on the other.
According to a letter by the neighbors’ attorney, the town grossly overstepped its rights in the widening of the street since its actions do not comply with state environmental performance standards. In an open letter to the public, opponents of the project chastise the town for “knowingly and intentionally acting in breach of Massachusetts law and needlessly destroying sensitive wetland and endangered species habitat.”
The town also is planning to put in an offer of $200,000 to buy some privately owned shoreline space next to the beach, which to the residents is an expensive and shortsighted use of scarce town funds. “The town is struggling to paint stripes on its roads and is unable to pave beach roads damaged by Hurricane Sandy… or repair leaks and replace roofs on its buildings.” Guess summertime is officially over.
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