Editor, Gazette-Journal
Converting the FEMA property on South Bay Haven Drive on Gwynn’s Island into a county park is neither needed nor wanted. Such a park would be an obtrusive imposition on the neighboring properties and offer little more than a beautiful waterfront view.
Its presence would increase the volume of traffic on Old Ferry and surrounding roads and incur unwanted construction and maintenance costs.
Needed on Gwynn’s Island is a hike/bike trail that is apart from car and truck traffic. Old Ferry Road is particularly hazardous because it is a bad mix of cars, trucks, walkers and cyclists, with vehicles ignoring the speed limit. There are few, if any, shoulders to escape oncoming traffic and very deep roadside ditches are horrible escape routes.
Hike/bike trails on existing state and county-owned “roads to nowhere” and easements would provide a much safer environment for both the users and adjacent properties.
The county should restore the South Bay Haven property to minimal...