To the editor:
In response to Olaf K. Ribeiro’s letter in the July 10 Bainbridge Review, I have to clarify a few points.
First of all, those of us that live on the actual beachfront on Manitou Beach were never contacted regarding the parking area at Murden Cove.
Second, had we been contacted, many of us would have made the time and effort to be involved in the community meetings held by, not only the city of Bainbridge Island, but by the Murden Cove Preservation Association (MCPA).
Your remarks that (and I quote) “little can be done if citizens do not take the time to attend meetings and express their opinions” is insulting.
Does the city, and the MCPA really think that those of us most directly effected by the parking area would not have an interest in voicing our opposition to this? Hogwash. Mayor Blair and I discussed, at length, the problems this proposed parking area would cause, and she promised to give me the names of all of the people that attended these community meetings, but I have yet to have been given that information.
I have asked all of my neighbors if they were aware of the city’s proposed (and approved) parking area, and not one of them knew about it, until they read that it had been approved in the Bainbridge Review. Furthermore, I am very perplexed as how the MCPA can actually be serious about preserving the Murden Cove watershed area, if they are wanting to turn the sensitive tide flats, where thousands of birds make their home, into an off-leash dog park, and a party area that will not be monitored, in any way.
The city won’t even be providing a garbage can. I am not sure about current DUI laws, but in the past, having empty bottles of beer, wine, etc. in your car, was illegal. So, those bottles will end up in our front yards.
I love dogs, as do most of my neighbors, and we already have plenty of them roaming our beaches, just from the community members that live within walking distance.
The herons that make their home here, have just come back after many years, because the construction of the huge housing development of Edgecomb at the head of Murden Cove, many years ago, drove them away. That area was a nesting ground for them. The people along this beach, as well as a few that live on Murden Cove Drive are in total opposition to this pet project. We are all for progress, but not if it causes such a negative impact in our community, not to mention the disruption of the incredible waterfowl and wildlife that abound here.
One main concern, is that where the proposed crosswalk would be, is right around a blind corner. Those of us that actually live along Manitou Beach Drive, can attest that people drive very fast along this beach road. It is an accident waiting to happen.
It is obvious to me, that the city never contacted us, even though they claim they sent a letter. That is an outright lie. Many of the people that live on this beach are over 80, and don’t peruse the internet looking for community goings on. Many of them don’t get online at all! All we are asking for, is a community meeting, with the city council, that we ALL know about, not just the people that belong to the MCPA. FYI: Most of us didn’t even know the MCPA existed, and want to know where to sign up, so we can be involved in decisions that directly effect the beaches that are our front yards.
This project is one that does not fit with what the people that live here want. There are many places to access the beach on the island, and parks to go to, without having to spoil such a beautiful cove. We willingly share our beaches with the immediate community.
When I pointed out to the mayor where the deer lay at night, RIGHT where the cars will park, the response I got from the mayor was, “Well, they will just have to relocate.” Really? I am not only appalled, I am saddened, that as a community we have no say in what happens in our neighborhood, and that the city has no concern for the wildlife that make their home here.
MEGAN ROSS
Manitou Beach
