MRTF chair responds to letter
To the editor:
I would like to thank Mr. Lee for his letter and his concerns about the Beachscape project.
As he mentioned, the removal of the bench at beach access #22 is not related to the Beachscape project, and I did not know about it’s removal until it was gone. The bench, donated by the Kiwanis Club some years ago, was damaged and is currently being repaired by the consistently generous Kiwanis Club. I was told by Public Works that it should be back in place shortly, maybe even before this letter goes to print.
I also agree with Mr. Lee that privacy and property values are two of the tangible benefits of beach plants, along with improving habitat for nesting sea turtles and protection from erosion.
Mr. Lee is completely incorrect in his comment that plants from my property have or are encroaching on the beach access property. All Beachscape planting is voluntary and the town decided to take part in the Beachscape demonstration project and place plants on the beach access land. The town, like myself, paid the cost of the plants placed on their land.
If Mr. Lee, or any other resident of the town has concerns or suggestions regarding the Beachscape project, or any of the numerous items on the Marine Resource Task Force agenda, they are more than welcome to come to our meetings where public comment is encouraged.
Bill Veach
Marine Resource Task Force chair
Fort Myers Beach