Some selectmen argue town should own land; not private owners

February 22, 2014 2:00 AM

YORK, Maine Ownership of York's beaches is on the Board of Selectmen agenda for 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 24, in the York Public Library.

Selectmen chairman Ron Nowell has said that the only way to protect public access is for the town of York to buy its beaches. Most are privately owned, he said.

The Feb. 4 state Supreme Court decision in the Goose Rocks Beach case favoring private property rights over public access means residents and tourists use York's beaches at the owners' pleasure, he said.

Assessor Rick Mace said Friday he does not tax anyone for what he called town beaches.

York has four beaches used by the public: Long Sands Beach, York Harbor Beach, Short Sands Beach and Cape Neddick Beach. The town has a deed to most of Short Sands Beach, but the other beaches are at least partially privately owned, according to Nowell.

There is currently no impediment to public access.

Cape Neddick Beach in particular has been subject to questions of ownership.

In 2011, a Cape Neddick Beach Task Force said there were three owners: two on Shore Road and one on Agamenticus Avenue. The task force recommended the town work cooperatively with the owners for continued public use of the beach.

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Ownership of York's beaches being reassessed