Valerie Fredette’s recent letter regarding public versus private beach property claims some public right to Priscilla Beach. As a prior resident of Priscilla Beach for almost 50 years and a member of the Priscilla Beach Association for all that time, I frequently fielded that question. Priscilla Beach is a deeded parcel in the subdivision (parcel “A”) held jointly in the deed of each residential lot in the subdivision. Like many waterfront lots on Plymouth Harbor or the coast, the deed is to the high-water line. The beach between high and low water lines is reserved for the passing of individuals for fishing and related activities. As defined by previous legal rulings, that does not include sunbathing. The PBA maintains the beach, collects the trash and pays the real estate taxes on parcel A. Implying that the public has the right to use parcel A would mean that any number of Plymouth residents should be able to enjoy and party in Valerie Fredette’s back yard.
– Paul F. Blanchard