Editor:

We are writing about the proposed land exchange at the end of the Pine Point Road at the beach. This plan received a first reading by the town council and is on the July 15 agenda for a public hearing and second reading.

Four years ago the Lighthouse Motel owners and the town considered a land exchange which would have moved the motel parking area, (which is across the public street from the motel), next to their building and shifted the Pine Point Road southerly. This was part of a renovation plan for the motel to convert to five luxury condominiums. After the motel owners hosted several public forums to address neighborhood concerns, there was considerable support for the plan which included what many agreed was a very attractive building. The plan was withdrawn by the owners and the land exchange did not happen.

 Two years later, the motel owners chose to convert the 22-room hotel to 22 condos, something known as a “condotel.” There were concerns about the ownership change to 22 individual dwelling owners. The large building sits on just a one-third acre parcel. But the town and motel owners reached legal agreements on several restrictions, including closing of the building for six months every year, and the conversion was allowed. Since that conversion, in March 2007, none of the 22 condotel units have sold.

The town manager and motel owners began discussions about another land exchange last winter. The plan was made public June 12 and appeared on the council agenda June 17. Unlike the 2005 proposal this plan would give the entire paved road in front of the building to the motel. The town would get the narrow parking strip in return. There is no payment involved but land is valued in excess of $2 million per acre in this area. This plan would forever close the public road leaving only the narrow parking strip for access to the shore.

 We urge the town council to refer this to a careful study and involve the public.

Dianne McLellan

Don Cote