Some comments about the meeting:
- Their deed research seems to go back to 1959. They had the map that clearly shows Pine Road and this is the same map that I have seen multiple times. The big question that was dangled, but not pursued, was how, where, when and why were we (Middlesex Beach Association) allowed to close or vacate the portion of Bayberry and Short Road that used to connect with Kent Ave. I have not seen any records related to that however the 1959 map does show those roads being connected to Kent. This is something that we should have for future reference.
- They referenced the Court Case that vacated Pine Road. They questioned but did not debate whether that road was properly vacated. Did we holding public hearings and follow all of the required procedures. I assume that we did and stated that I believe all was done. Their reading of the Court Case came to the same conclusion that I had but took a different route than my conclusion. They believe that South Bethany has ownership to a portion of Pine Road. They want to know where this portion is and indicated that they will have the property surveyed.
- I mentioned that a portion of our ownership of Pine Road had been transferred to one or two property Owners (Geoff Meyers and ??). They wanted to know if this was done by deed or easement. I did not know the answer. However, it appeared that if there were individual property owners as well as Middlesex Beach involved, then they would have a great logistical challenge.
- I mentioned that the incorporated Town of South Bethany does not appear to include any portion of Pine Road. They indicated that they have been in contact with Sussex County and that they have informed Sussex County that the tax map is wrong.
- Bethany Beach Tennis Club affirmed that they were adamantly opposed to any reopening of Pine Road.
- There are several possible uses of Pine Road that they are considering:
- Bike path
- Pedestrian path
- Pedestrian and bike path
- One lane of traffic
- Two way traffic.
- Mike Summers (sp?) has been helping their committee in exploring options for traffic.
Jennifer & I stated that we would report to the Board next weekend but that we believe that the Board and Community would support a regional approach to traffic issues but that we would oppose any attempt to reopen Pine Road.