Mr. VanVeen, and others of like-mind, before you suggest that anyone not agreeing with your position “sober up” (Letter, “Much ado about nothing,” April 23), I suggest you read the lawsuit brought against the town and all persons who are unascertained. This makes Kennebunkport, taxpayers, and others who have enjoyed Goose Rocks Beach defendants.

How can anyone read Robert Almeder and Jack Fleming’spublic statements and believe that nothing will change if the town does not defend itself and all of us to continue our long-established use of the beach?

Plaintiffs are explicit in their demands for a line in the sand between “public” and “private” sections of the beach. They also call for “appropriate signage” at all beach access points. Their proposed signs read: Public Way to the Water, Private Beach on Both Sides of Public Way. Intertidal Areas on Either Side Open for Navigation and Fishing Only, No Public Facilities.

Plaintiffs have stated they will consider seriously an agreement permitting the general public to walk the beach from end to end at any time in exchange for the town agreeing to the sign demand (along with other demands that include information brochures indicating where the public and the private areas of the beach are, the prompt enforcement of trespass laws when initiated by beachfront owners and restrictions on buses and shuttles dropping off and picking up visitors at public access paths to the public area of the beach).

How gracious of them to consider permitting me a right I believe I already possess through my open and continuous use of the beach for more than 55 years.

This offer was once again made at a February settlement conference at York County Superior Court. No agreements were reached and the lawsuit continues.

Don’t be naive, the public’s rights – your right to walk the beach, spread blankets, eat lunch and throw Frisbees – will be diminished if the town does not prevail.

It will affect all taxpayers of Kennebunkport and therefore, we absolutely need to support the town’s legal budget to continue to fight and ensure all of us continued access and recreational use of Goose Rocks Beach.

Vote “Yes” on article No. 49 at Town Meeting on June 12 at Consolidated School.

Come to the next Save-Our-Beaches meeting at 10:30 a.m., May 8 at the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust to learn more about the facts of the lawsuit and how you can become involved to maintain your rights to use all of Goose Rocks Beach in the face of this lawsuit.

Sharon A. Eon

Kennebunkport