The May 7 letter, “Plaintiffs map concerns,” was no doubt written to suggest to voters that Kennebunkport should not spend money to defend the Goose Rocks lawsuit. A quick reading of the letter leaves the impression these gentlemen are reasonable and community-minded. Yet, you should pay attention to what they don’t state in the letter. If they prevail in their suit, residents of Kennebunkport – even those living at Goose Rocks – will no longer be able to sit down on the beach, except in the stretch near the Tides Inn, without risking a ticket for trespass.

We could walk past their homes, but it would be trespass to sit down to read a book. It’s not surprising if you thought their letter said something else, because they never made such a statement.

If they win, those of us entering the beach at the public rights of way at either New Biddeford or Goose Rocks roads could no longer use the beach at those locations, as stepping off the narrow right of way would be prohibited (perhaps if we all stood side by side on the beach in the right of way we wouldn’t need chairs).

On really hot days, perhaps half the beach-goers enter from these locations. Parking and traffic will get much worse as those who can now walk to the beach carrying gear will likely drive to try to find parking by the Tides Inn, overburdening that neighborhood and denying parking access to other residents of Kennebunkport.

Perhaps buses (at taxpayer expense) will then be necessary to bring residents and other visitors in from other parts of town. If this suit prevails, the common use and enjoyment of this beach, a use that has existed for hundreds of years, would change forever.

The town did not start this fight, but cheers to the town for wanting to protect and preserve the customary use of Goose Rocks Beach for all residents of Goose Rocks and Kennebunkport. Please give these forward thinking leaders and all of our children and grandchildren your vote of “yes” on Article 48 June 12.

Paul Hogan

Kennebunkport