No Change to LSPOA Beach Access

Our beach access will stay where it is. Association members Tom and Paula McInerney, who asked that the LSPOA Board of Directors consider a proposal to move the Association’s 20-foot easement, have withdrawn their request. The decision to not pursue the relocation came in an email from Tom on February 6th.

LSPOA Beach Easement

Here’s how the decision came about.  Tom and Paula’s request was announced to LSPOA members attending the Annual Meeting on January 23rd. The McInerney’s, who own 1003, 1051 and 1067 Westway Drive, had sent the board a proposal to move the easement to the southern boundary of their properties, which border Sarasota County’s North Lido Park and tidal basin. 

An Easement Committee was formed to study the impact of moving the court-protected pathway, research all options and come up with specific recommendations. Taking into consideration members' suggestions and concerns, the committee adopted this mission statement: The LSPOA’s primary concern is access to its beach property, combined with attractive appearance, functionality and adequate security. Following two meetings, the committee concluded it would not be opposed to the proposal “if our property values are adequately protected, and as long as our members are satisfied that what is proposed is an enhancement of what we now have.”

The Easement Committee met with Tom McInerney and his contractor on January 31st. Several suggestions were outlined by the committee, including:

·      Flooding protection from the nearby tidal basin,

·      Construction of a wall along the southern property line to provide a security buffer from North Lido Park,

·      Enough space in an area on the proposed new easement to allow cars to pass as well as provide emergency vehicles access to the pavilion area,

·      A consistent landscaping plan encompassing McInerney’s property and Association property. 

Following the meeting, Tom sent an email to committee chair Bob Thill  saying he “no longer wished to pursue the relocation.” The committee responded by leaving the door open, and let the McInerney’s know that LSPOA would be willing to revisit the issue.   

On a historical note, the Easement was last moved to its current location in December, 1977. ~ BT