Monday, December 08, 2008

 

To:      The Planning Commission

Ref:    Agenda Item #11 for 12/10/08
           Temporary Use Permit 08-11 and Coastal Development Permit 08-63 to provide
            kayak rentals and tours on the public beach in front of the Montage Resort and Spa
            at 30801 Coast Highway.

 

Dear Planning Commission:

Village Laguna strongly supports the use of our public beaches not only by locals but also by the many visitors our city actively markets to from coast to coast and internationally.  This is the main reason we object to any type of privatization or commercial use of a beach area.  The City has rightfully denied commercialization of its beaches for decades.  We ask that the City stand firm in its commitment to keep our beaches free of commercialization and privatization, no matter what form it may take.

 Since 2003, the area earmarked for the proposed kayak concession has become increasingly difficult for the public to enjoy because of the many guest services the Montage Resort supplies there.  The requested permit application is basically an attempt for a private party to reserve a parking space on a public beach for their recreation equipment.  This should not be permitted because use of a public beach is on first-come-first-served basis and is not exclusive to anyone.  Neither the Montage Resort nor La Vida Laguna Kayak Rentals & Tours nor any other entity should have the ability to take over public recreation areas as a private business.  We believe this proposed kayak concession on the beach will do exactly that.  

Lastly, Village Laguna has never objected to kayaking off our beaches, but we do feel it is wrong to stage a kayak business on a public beach.  We respectfully ask that you deny this request.

Sincerely,

 

Anne Caenn
President of Village Laguna