People enjoying the Winnifred Beach in Fariry Hill, Portland. The Urban Development Corporation recently served eviction notices on vendors operating on the beach. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

BOSTON, Portland:

Vendors illegally occupying the Winnifred beach in Portland are awaiting their fate, which could very well be the final stage of an eviction to be carried out by the Urban Development Cooperation (UDC).

Since 2005, the UDC, which assumed total control of the Winifred property, stated its intention to upgrade the public beach area into a modern-style beach complex fitted with booths, restaurants, bathrooms and a security post, along with the installation of lights and the paving of an access road to the beach.

War of words

But the proposed development has not gone down well with some vendors, most of whom have expressed fear they might not be a part of those development plans, and a war of words has begun.

“They are forcing us off the beach with their plan of development, which does not include us,” said Marcia Bennett, a vendor occupying the Winifred beach. “It is clear that we as vendors, have no say in the matter, and we are being forced to comply with the UDC’s plans.”

The UDC had carried out a demolition exercise on informal settlers occupying sections of the Winifred property two years ago.

The demolition came after the settlers ignored eviction notices served on them. Vendors plying their trade along the beach were also ordered removed and several stalls were demolished.

Since December last year, some vendors have returned to the beach. Most of them have occupied the area from as far back as 1985. Some have even constructed homes on the beach property.

Creates opportunities

One vendor, Paul Thomas, who claims to be the first to have settled on the beach, and who was also employed to the UDC as a property ranger, sought to explain that the developmental plan for the beach is one which will undoubtedly improve and enhance not only the image of the beach, but also the livelihood of vendors.

According to the former UDC ranger, the revamping of the beach should create added opportunities and better business for vendors in a commercial-like atmosphere.

“This upscale facility, upon its completion, should be able to attract tourists and locals to this spectacle of white-sand beach,” he said. “We will also be able to dispose of our garbage properly, and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.”

–Gareth Davis