THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 13, 1995 TAG: 9508130244
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 08 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BILL REED, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 61 lines
The City Council approved a compromise Tuesday aimed at easing the friction between two Lynnhaven factions wrangling over beach access and the proposed closure of two bay-front streets.
Closure was sought by George Pitsilides, who seeks to consolidate enough property at Page Avenue and Kleen Street - near the Chesapeake Bay shoreline - to make room for a new condominium.
The structure would be wedged between two other condos on a newly created parcel that is shaped like a fly swatter.
As part of a street closure agreement, Pitsilides offered to provide a seven-foot-wide path through his property along Kleen Street to the beach, touching off protests from residents of the Dunes condominium next door.
Residents of the Dunes contend that opening the path to the public would attract unwanted, beach-bound outsiders to pass within feet of their bedroom windows.
They also argued that the path would invite trespassers to tread on beach-front property they own.
Residents of nearby homes and apartments, however, argued that the well-traveled path has existed for years and is the closest access to the only spot of public beach within 300 or 400 yards. The area is about 2,000 feet east of the Lesner Bridge.
Five Dunes residents, led by lawyer Michael Inman, asked the council to close off access, declaring that beach access from nearby Jade Street would just as easily accommodate outsiders.
Inman produced a petition bearing 250 signatures of area residents opposed to the path.
Dr. Greg Morando said that he has owned his first-floor condo in the Dunes since 1983 and that he and his wife have endured ``obnoxious'' behavior from people who have used the path.
``My wife was assaulted by a man when he was asked to leave,'' Morando told the council, adding, ``There has never been public access on this property. If access goes through, you will condone trespassing.''
Bill Bruno, Lynnhaven Colony Civic League president, and area residents Tim and Page O'Shaughnessy lobbied the council to keep the Kleen Street pathway open.
``It's the only public beach available,'' said Page O'Shaughnessy.
Added Tim O'Shaughnessy: ``If we keep the public beach and deny access, the `thoughtless' people will find a way to the beach.''
In the end, the council voted unanimously to allow Pitsilides to retain the beach access on his property and approved his street closure application. Council members directed the city manager to erect a six-foot ``privacy'' fence on the Dunes' side of the pathway for the privacy of the occupants. Pitsilides will be required to build a fence on his side of the path.
Several issues emerged from the Pitsilides street closure debate, said Councilman Linwood Branch. ``First is the issue of public and private beaches,'' he said. ``I wasn't aware whether it (the beach near the Pitsilides property) was public or private. We need to clear up the issue. I find private beaches quite offensive, frankly.'' by CNB