Public property rights threatened at Ontario Ridge Trail

The Ontario Ridge Trail issue is primarily one of property rights (“Plan for new Ontario Ridge trail near Avila Beach moves ahead,” March 11). Rob McCarthy has a deed that includes a public, recreational easement. Such easements ensure public property rights are respected. We all have the right to access this trail.

McCarthy knew what he bought, and yet last year, he put up ugly barbed-wire fences with “no trespassing” signs, effectively blocking the public from our legal right to access the trail. The Coastal Commission ended this by ordering the fences be taken down and the land restored to its previous condition. Now, McCarthy is back again, this time wanting the owners of the easement, the public as represented by the county Board of Supervisors, to give up the public’s property rights to the trail.

I was surprised and disappointed that three supervisors voted to take away our property rights. If successful, McCarthy will not only steal our property rights, but also have his property greatly increase in value. McCarthy apparently believes that he can buy our rights and make a profit in the deal. I urge everyone to contact the Board of Supervisors and demand that they protect all of our property rights by maintaining this easement.

This story was originally published March 18, 2016 at 8:55 PM with the headline "Public property rights threatened at Ontario Ridge Trail."