Locked, gated fence likely unhinges hopes of Dog Beach accord

Continued public access to privately owned beach sections north of town appeared to hinge on local mediation efforts.

That was the hope a month ago.

More recently, though, a fence with two cable locks on the gate has been placed across a pathway used by hikers and dog owners to reach the popular shoreline area, perhaps closing the door both literally and figuratively to resolution of the festering dispute.

Dog Beach-goers were alarmed to find the fence put up Oct 14, aware that former Town Public Works Director Gordy Bell had been approached by – and already spoken with – several o...