by Mindy Block
Port Jefferson - Sometimes you want to just cry about the injustice adults put upon a twelve year old kid. I drove over to East Beach where no sign, nor any lifeguard knew of this mid August beach closure.
Port Jefferson - Sometimes you want to just cry about the injustice adults put upon a twelve year old kid. I drove over to East Beach where no sign, nor any lifeguard knew of this mid August beach closure.
I had to go to the Village of Port Jefferson's website to verify what even a twelve year old innocent recognized as unfair and questioned.
West Beach won't accommodate public access needs.
West Beach has limited parking, very poor maneuverability, and no safe and sandy put in point for non powered sailboats, kayaks, canoes, etc . The question becomes why close the entire beach's public access in mid August, especially during summer vacation. And for that matter why restrict public beach access at all. East Beach has a large parking lot.
I avoid getting involved in the Village of Port Jefferson issues, because I live in Port Jefferson, But Quality Parks also resides here, and public access rights are our primary concern. I contacted the Village the following day.
Port Jefferson's response: "The beach project begins next week and is an 8 month project. We posted the beach closure on our website and social media and signage at the beach will be up by week's end. The contractor will be using the entire lot for staging of supplies, steel and equipment and large trucks will be entering and exiting the beach making it a public safety concern, whereby closing the beach access was requested by the contractor. West Beach and Centennial is open for anyone wishing to enjoy the balance of the summer. We had to wait for approval to start the project based on the clearance for piping plover and red knots so please know that much goes into the decision making process to just close the beach. While it may be a slight inconvenience, we are fortunate to have other beaches in the area for summer enjoyment while we begin to restore the bluff."
Addendum: Centennial Beach gives access to the Port Jefferson Harbor not the LI Sound, unless you paddle through boat traffic and the channel. It has limited parking and maneuverability, though skulling crews and sailing clubs use this access point. There is some boat storage on the beach. As for Crystal Brook, not mentioned above, it has a larger parking lot but again it opens up to a harbor -- Mt. Sinai Harbor. Do check if parking hours are limited; There is some boat storage available.
To my way of thinking public access rights need to be codified, like threatened and endangered species laws.
To my way of thinking public access rights need to be codified, like threatened and endangered species laws.
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