Happy SPRING! It certainly was a long, cold and white winter which hopefully is behind us now. Despite the weather, there were still plenty of folks out and about, lending a neighborly hand to clear driveways and walks.
Regardless of the season, Giants Neck Beach is undeniably a magnificent community. I am not second or third generation here which many of you are, but yet in the 10 years my husband Jim & I have lived here, we have come to love this community as though we have lived here all our lives. It is indeed a special place, our own personal Shangri-La. When we pass under the railroad bridge and see the Sound, all our worries and stresses fade away... and we are home!
But putting aside the sunrises and sunsets, we are faced with significant challenges to maintain the community we all love. We are no longer just a summer beach community, but rather a year-round community with all the advantages of living by the shore. How lucky are we?!?! Even if you are not in residence year-round, you are at liberty to enjoy the same rights and privileges as all Members. And along with those advantages comes the cost and management associated with the maintenance of this fine community, 365 days a year.
Our beach is understandably our most valuable asset. After all, what would we be if we had no beach! In the fall, the Board of Governors approved the formation of the Beach Restoration Task Force to pursue long-term preservation efforts. Wick Mallory & John Cashman & their team are to be commended for their work. Last summer, a recommendation was made to sell the Association Cottage, another important community asset; however, most recently, the Board voted to defer that vote. In addition, the Board has formed another task force to review the Charter and By-Laws to insure that they are current with the changing times and support the longevity of our Association.
Giants Neck has a long tradition of volunteerism whereby much of the effort to sustain our wonderful community has been carried out by our residents. Thanks goes to Mark Vaughan for taking over the helm of Harbor Management, along with Diana Jepson for filling a vacancy on our ZBA and Joe Dasco for joining the Beach & Brush Committee. Unfortunately, we still have chairmanship vacancies on Beach & Brush, Club House & Recreation Committees. Those who have served - Jim Beaulieu, Kathy Cole and Karey Dow & Laurie Green must be applauded for their past efforts. But now what? These are vital committees. Who is willing to step up? And if no takers, what alternatives should we consider? This is probably the greatest challenge the Board will have to address in the next few months.
The Board of Governors are your neighbors who serve in a voluntary capacity with the common goal of preserving the beauty and integrity our community. We are open to recommendations and suggestions from the membership and therefore, found it to be quite disheartening when we were compelled to defend our actions in response to formal complaints lodged by Members. First, a complaint by made directly to the Connecticut DEP regarding our beach erosion plans, and secondly a Freedom of Information complaint which necessitated costly legal counsel. There were lessons learned - but why not approach the Board with constructive criticism and viable solutions, rather than legal challenges? There is much diverse acumen within our community which could benefit us all.
I implore you to stay in tune by visiting our website, by attending meetings, reading minutes and most importantly by offering your input. We are a community - and by definition, we are a group of people with shared interests. That shared interest is our beloved Giants Neck Beach. And in our 70th year of incorporation, I ask for us to come together to plan the best future for generations to come!
Sincerely,
Joan Malone, BOG President
president@gnba1941.com
