Dear Editor:

The information meeting on this topic exposed interesting factors driving this proposal.

The selectmen were responsibly seeking a solution to the road’s exposure to greater storm pressure on this infrastructure (Beach Road) and one of the town’s few public recreational areas (the beach) by raising the wall and road. The presentation’s opening photo showed storm surging over wall but the proposed 2’ increase wouldn’t have solved the problem of water crossing Beach Road and its parking area. Things went downhill from there.

The consultant (who ran the meeting) had her own agenda and was generally insensitive to comments that didn’t support her narrative. A primary contention was the inclusion of a 12’x6’ concrete culvert opening to replace the 18” pipe which has successfully served as the drainage conduit for the brackish area beyond the road for many years.

The bog is close to abutters’ wells and septic systems yet she seemed more driven by her desire to have the bog become a saltwater bog rather than its longstanding brackish status. I’m sure this was never the Town’s primary concern; i.e., the selectmen had their priorities straight. She didn’t.

There was almost universal negative reaction to the proposal as she seemed unable/unwilling to successfully answer a variety of questions regarding the scope of the culvert, storm surge deflection and other alternatives to her chosen recommendations.

Like many Southporters, I am a nonresident taxpayer without a vote so I encourage registered voters to vote “No” which will hopefully allow the town fathers to seek other alternatives (or perhaps permanently leave things as they are) when abutters and others can be given a more rational “ear” to their concerns.

Nick Hurd

Southport