Dear editor: I would like to correct the assertion by San Mateo County Harbor District General Manager Peter Grenell, earlier made by the proposed developer's representative Mr. Antone at the Midcoast Community Council meeting, that the Burnham Strip "Right now isn't serving anyone's interest," (Mr. Grenell) or "It isn't being used" (Mr. Antone). This could not be more incorrect. I've lived in El Granada nearly 30 years. I go to the Post Office across from the Strip at least six times a week. It is a rare day when one does not see someone using the Strip to cross to Surfer's Beach or walking their dog or parking a car or RV or simply looking out at the ocean or, as has been the case for several weeks lately, to park a large blue dump truck. This last use doesn't seem to bother the District, otherwise so concerned about liability. More importantly, the Strip is literally constantly in use as a visual corridor. Every time anyone goes to the Post Office or businesses in the middle of town, or drives on Obispo Avenue, they can look out across the Strip to the beach and ocean. There are a number of residences and apartment buildings that directly overlook the Strip; those people use the view all the time. Maybe half of El Granada residents have at least part of their view to the ocean across the Burnham Strip, not to mention visitors. Coastal vistas are legally recognized as public resources. Imagine a building up to 16 feet high at the end of Portola Avenue cutting off the view. Who would then say something valuable had not been lost? Matthew Clark El Granada
|
|
w