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Residents press council to resolve decades-long Fort Road/Napatree access dispute
Summary
Public commenters urged the council to use eminent-domain, surveys, or other tools to restore pedestrian access at Fort Road/Napatree Point and to end what speakers called a 17-year cycle of litigation, asking the council to be more transparent about behind‑the‑scenes negotiations.
Multiple residents told the council during citizen comment that Fort Road and access to Napatree Point have been contested for years and urged stronger action from the town to secure pedestrian access and resolve ongoing litigation. Joy Cordo, Jill Olander and other longtime participants said that negotiations and past council actions have left the public unclear about rights and that executive-session discussions should be followed by public steps such as surveys or eminent-domain filings where appropriate.
Speakers cited a 1973 court ruling and later records they said support pedestrian-only rights and criticized town staff and counsel for being opaque. Council members said the solicitor and manager are reviewing records and that the council received audio and documentary materials; several councilors asked staff to compile records and to seek clarification by mid-October so the public can track progress.
What happens next: Councilors said they will task the solicitor and staff to gather the historical records and survey materials referenced by residents and report back to the council at an upcoming meeting.
