It is a constant source of amazement to me that the town of Oak Bluffs can neglect its beaches so summarily. First of all, we taxpaying residents of the town deserve better. At this point we have a town beach that is like concrete halfway to the water with no access at all for handicapped or elderly people, of which the town has many. It is my impression also that tourists come for the sun and sand and not to look at the lovely flowers and plantings along the harbor and remark on the pretty brickwork and to buy T-shirts.

Why is it that the town seems to have enough money for “beautification” projects while it ignores the state of its beaches? Except for a few dedicated citizens who continue to organize meetings and press for beach changes, there is a stunning apathy among the people who are supposed to have the best interests of the town at heart. Isn’t the beach a public park? Isn’t there some regulation that says it should be accessible to handicapped and elderly? How much would it cost to put a boardwalk down on the town beach near the jetty? Perhaps we could skip a couple of new brick walks or plantings!

There is precedent, as there are two boardwalks on State Beach within the town limits of Oak Bluffs, beside the Jabberwocky spaces. I am truly appalled at the situation, mostly because the town is so callous to its own taxpayers, both full-time residents and summer people, those who pay the salaries to keep the town going and who patronize the local retailers all year round. I say shame on the town of Oak Bluffs.

Barbara Peckham
Oak Bluffs