The Editor, Sir:

A recent letter by Jill Auger-Alexander to The Gleaner on restrictions imposed on her and other users of the Turtle Bay beach and her subsequent futile attempt to complain to "several persons at UDC" has prompted me to write this letter. It is indeed frustrating to deal with the Urban Development Corporation and its subsidiary body, the St. Ann Development Company Limited (SADC).

Does the UDC/SADC, before it embarks on projects and changes that affect the environment and usage of the public beach at Turtle Bay, consult or discuss with the management of each of the five properties that border on the beach, in particular, Fisherman's Point, Turtle Beach Towers, Sand Castles that are affected by their actions?

Limiting free flow

The groins at the western and eastern ends of the bay have obviously restricted and limited the free flow and scouring action of the sea in its waves and tides. That shortsightedness has resulted in deterioration and degradation of the beach. What was once a pristine beach is now unsightly and uninviting. Its seabed is an accumulation of algae growth, as well as mushy sediment underfoot.

Converting a section of the bay into a marina has closed two entrances used for many years by owners, residents and guests of Fisherman's Point, Turtle Beach Towers and Sand Castles.

Stringing unsightly razor wire along part of the outer perimeter fence of the beach has produced a penitentiary appearance.

As pointed out in Ms. Auger-Alexander's letter, leasing a section of the beach to a private entity with its accompanying noise several days per week denies public access to and use of that demarcated area. Imposing levies on the properties for beach maintenance is a glaring case of taxation without representation.

I am, etc.,

CLINTON A. LEWIS

Turtle Beach Towers

Ocho Rios