A public commenter at the Nov. 20 council meeting urged Chesapeake Beach to reopen Bayfront Park to nonresidents, calling the town’s residency-only restriction unconstitutional.

Matthew McRoberts, who identified himself as a North Beach resident and a 20-year military veteran, said he had filed written comments and cited the Fourth Circuit’s Warren v. Fairfax County decision, arguing "public parks are held in public trust" and that government may not restrict access based on residency. "Bayfront Park is legally designated as a public park in town code," McRoberts said, calling the current restriction "a direct violation" of the Fourth Circuit ruling.

The mayor responded that a previous administration had placed a referendum before the town’s voters that permitted limiting access to citizens; he said the current administration is constrained by that result but will review the legal question. Council did not vote or take immediate action during public comment; the mayor characterized the matter as a legal question that may require further review.

Other public comments at the meeting focused on the recent apartment fire, tenant-management accountability at the Courtyards at Fishing Creek and offers to help coordinate relief; several commenters praised the town response and requested continued follow-up on housing and safety inspections.