History of
the Barricade
When a land exchange idea was contemplated in
early 2005 at the end of the Pine Point Rd., many people saw it as an opportunity to eliminate the
barricades that have restricted public access to the road for over 15 years. The
land exchange negotiations, however, never happened between the Town and the abutter.
When the Residents Group learned that the Town had decided to do something about
the barriers in the spring of 2006 anyway, its representatives asked the Town Manager, in April of 2006, if we could
provide input. The Resident Group’s long-held position was
the barrier should be eliminated.
Alternatives, we stated, should embrace several principles which we outlined
to the Town Manager. A design should be based on careful study, be
attractive, accessible by the public and safe for motorists, bicycles,
pedestrians and individuals with handicaps.
We promoted a “Barrier Alternative” plan for the Summer of 2006. Long-term decisions
about the public way - and the parcel being conveyed to the Town by developer Paul Hollis - should be examined by a Town
Council Study which we will propose to the Council.
The Town developed a design and constructed a
permanent, year-round barrier. Our response was that, while certainly more aesthetically appealing
that the orange barrels, this new design did not meet the principles above.
Furthermore, we believe that the new barricade is more restrictive and dangerous that the previous
one, and maintains the impression by the general public that the road behind it is private property.
It is our belief that the barriers should be eliminated and
that this small but important public way should redesigned for the benefit of the citizens of
Scarborough.