Morro Bay beach access path may never be built

The Tribune story “Lawsuit filed over Morro Strand State Beach access” (Feb. 25) does not include some very important facts. The proposed alternate path might never be built, and if it were, it would be temporary and might not even be opened to the public.

It has been stated that the new path would be built after the house. Residents consulted with a qualified engineer who said that construction of the alternate path would be a major engineering challenge, and it would entail extensive disturbance of the creek bank, right down to the concrete swale at its base.

So, when the time comes, it might be deemed impossible to build the path and even to obtain necessary permits due to the fact that environmentally sensitive habitat would be disturbed. Thus, the proposed path may be a promise that cannot be fulfilled.

Both the city and the property owner have declined to maintain the proposed alternate path. As published trail maintenance guidelines and standards attest, an unmaintained path on the side of a steep slope will erode away and become unusable. In addition, per the Coastal Act, Section 30212, the new path would not have to be opened for public use unless someone takes responsibility for maintenance.

This story was originally published February 26, 2016 at 8:28 PM with the headline "Morro Bay beach access path may never be built."