Conservation Alert – Andrews Point Public Access in Jeopardy

The ongoing lawsuit by an abutter to eliminate public access to the rocky, coastal portion of a property at 18 Longbranch Ave at Andrew’s Point in Rockport is a conservation issue of considerable interest to the BBC. Birders frequently use this access point to seawatch. 

The lawsuit continues even though the property’s deed clearly states that the public shall have trail access in perpetuity. Last year, BBC Conservation Chairperson John Nelson submitted documents and testimony from the birding community proving a history of public access at this location.

On Friday, February 13th, the abutter’s lawyers, the Attorney General’s office, and Rockport town attorney met to negotiate a settlement. Any agreement limiting access is not in the best interest of the public and should not be accepted by the state.

A compromise here could lead other property owners along the Atlantic Path to make similar demands. We could see effects on public access to the Atlantic Path, elsewhere along Rockport’s coastline, and at other locations in the Commonwealth.

The settlement conference is closed to the public, and all parties have signed an agreement not to disclose the proceedings. If a settlement is reached, the Rockport Select Board must vote to accept it. Their decision will occur in a closed session, with little to no direct public input.

We recommend that concerned members email the Attorney General’s office. Rockport residents and property owners may also want to contact the Select Board and the town administrator. Email addresses are listed below.

Please take action tonight to protect the rights the public has enjoyed for so long, not just for ourselves but for the generations to come.

Contact Information:

Attorney General’s Office: https://www.mass.gov/contact-the-attorney-generals-office

Assistant Attorney Generals Representing the Commonwealth
Kendra.Kinscherf@mass.gov
Joel.Quick@mass.gov

Rockport Town Administrator Mitchell Vieira: TA@rockportma.gov

Rockport Select Board: https://www.rockportma.gov/350/Select-Board

Background Information

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/capeannonline/preserving-public-access-to-andrews-point-rockport-t26898.html

https://www.boston.com/news/the-boston-globe/2023/03/23/andrews-point-rockport-public-access-private-elizabeth-fisher/