Readers respond to last week’s Feedback Friday topic, which was:
Public vs. Private Recreational Water Access
In What’s Up? Media’s August fleet of publications, we’ve presented the in-depth article “Water, Water Everywhere, But…” which examines public versus private property rights relating to water access throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The discussion centers around an overall lack of access points—beach, soft launch, fishing, or otherwise—for Marylanders not privy to waterfront-privileged communities to enjoy the spoils of the Bay, rivers, and tributaries. We also present several “case studies” of communities and residents that either feel deprived of access or have enjoyed the privilege of access. Further, we needle into county- and state-owned properties and the challenges of developing them into parks for all to enjoy.
We received both positive applause for giving ink to this controversial issue and valid criticisms for the portrayal of several communities discussed within the article.
We invite you to read the article here and offer your viewpoint of about public versus private water access throughout our water-adjacent counties
What do you think about public water access (or lack thereof) and if there is a need to increase the amount? Your pros, cons, and considerations are welcome.
Here’s what you said:
"Access privileged" Are you kidding me? You guys never stop with the privilege garbage. It's the largest estuary in the U.S. with access everywhere, both public and private. This is not an issue.
Anthony Parkinson, Easton
It is ironic that despite the length of the Chesapeake Bay shoreline, we have relatively so little public waterfront access. We need to increase that shoreline public access, particularly near areas that are more densely populated, as a matter of equity in a democratic society. Yes, waterfront acreage is expensive, but in the future it will be more so. Our state and local governments should find ways to increase this access with outright purchases, mandated concessions from developers, and with the assistance of nonprofit partners. If the National Park Service expands its presence on the Chesapeake Bay, it, too, must be a leader in expanding shoreline public access.
Pete Lesher, Easton
I see both sides but everyone deserves access, however, they need to take care of the land & we see what happens at Sandy Point. I have picked trash up there many times. I grew up on the water but as an adult I don't live on the water. There is water all around me but it is filled with Private Property signs or This community only, signs etc. Our community is working on some access though at this time it would be to far for me to get to it & not a place for anything but kayaks at high tide after going through marsh. My Mom passed in 2018. I sold her property & in turn my water access. I love nature photography & being in nature. My health deters that some now. I find it frustrating that so much water access is sold off. Private land is often connected to county/state land where there is public water but no access-no parking so no ability to use it because you can't get to it. Everyone has a right to use the water. I think parking & access should be with all county land many parks restrict some access during breeding season for local wildlife & close parts of parks but the water shouldn't just be for the wealthy.
Laurie Long, Annapolis
I've owned a modest waterfront home for 18 years and have not, and never will be, in the 1%. The original article reads to me like it's using the 1% (wealthy elite) and racism to fuel the debate with emotion.
I pay an outrageous amount of ever-increasing property taxes, yet none of the services that affect me increases. I live on a private road (maintenance is out of my pocket), have a well & septic, and have never had children in the school system. I deeply appreciate law enforcement and the fire department; my hostility about taxes does not extend to those fine humans.
Perhaps waterfront property owners would be more inclined to accommodate the public demand for access if the state lowered tax rates on waterfront property. We might find that racism has less to do with land owners barring access and is more about feeling *screwed* by the Maryland's generous wealth redistribution policy, aka property taxes.
Another issue worth discussing: Those who approach by water should realize that when they float among my pilings, they're essentially in my driveway. They come within 5-6 feet of my dock while I'm outside doing whatever and feel free to stare and comment on whatever they see. I've sometimes asked for their street address so I can come sit in their driveway, play loud music over bad speakers and comment on their personal activities. Not surprisingly, none has shared a physical address to date.
Dropping anchor close to enough to my dock so I can hear domestic squabbles of those onboard or the cries of the tired children is also pretty awful. I'll go to Chuck E Cheese if I want to get involved in family time...
Having moved to MD from a very rural area, I'm accustomed to people being more respectful of others and behaving accordingly when in public. People who live in crowded environments seem to overlook, or never learned, the concept of personal space.
I see both sides but everyone deserves access however they need to take care of the land & we see what happens at Sandy Point. I have picked trash up their many times. I grew up on the water but as an adult I don't live on the water. There is water all around me but it is filled with Private Property signs or This community only, signs etc. Our community is working on some access though at this time it would be to far for me to get to it & not a place for anything but kayaks at high tide after going through marsh. My Mom passed in 2018. I sold her property & in turn my water access.I love nature photography & being in nature. My health deters that some now. I find it frustrating that so much water access is sold off. Private land is often connected to county/state land where there is public water but no access-no parking so no ability to use it because you can't get to it. Everyone has a right to use the water. I think parking & access should be with all county land many parks restrict some access during breeding season for local wildlife & close parts of parks but the water shouldn't just be for the wealthy.
Furio N, Pasadena
Sadly lacking in AACO is public access for the rowing community of high schoolers, adults, seniors and disabled. For over 20 years the clubs that have formed have searched for affordable venues so all can participate. We are one of the few areas that does not have a public facility for this sport, that offers a true sense of teamwork, conditioning, the love of nature, and college scholarships. What other sport doesn't care what age, sex or ability you are? Try it!
Debbie Yatsuk, Annapolis
Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) will be opening the premier Annapolis Adaptive Boating Center in the country in March 2023 to provide exemplary sailing and boating experiences for the disabled, wounded warriors, and children from underserved communities. This facility is for the 20% of the population who cannot use the limited, but far more numerous city, county, and state public access points to the bay available to able-bodied citizens. This project has taken 7 years and was successful because a strategy was created and bold acquisition and funding plans implemented by CRAB in 2017 with the support of the State of Maryland, Anne Arundel County, and the City of Annapolis. The challenge of creating public water access on the bay is great and cannot be overstated. Much credit goes to the leadership and tenacity of the CRAB Board of Directors for the project's success. It also took a committed team of government leaders and private donors to reach this milestone. Acting alone nothing would have been accomplished. Working together we have created a miracle on the bay.
Paul Bollinger, Annapolis
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