La Porte residents say neighbor's fencing blocks public bay easement; staff to re-examine title

Several residents urged La Porte officials on Monday to remove a fence they say blocks a public easement to the bay at the end of Crescent View Street.

"This is public property," said Drew Adams, who said he has lived in the neighborhood for decades and delivered a petition of 11 residents asking that the barrier be removed. Adams told the council the easement was created in 1922 and that a neighbor has repeatedly erected fencing and a gate, despite council action in 2017 ordering removal.

Marlene McLennan, who submitted a larger petition signed by 19 neighbors, said residents use the easement for access, fireworks viewing and walks and described repeated incidents in which the neighbor harassed people who used the area. "If Mr. Short is concerned about containing his own dogs, shouldn't he install a fence on his own property line?" McLennan asked.

Planning staff told the council they were aware of the dispute and that a title examination and memo had been prepared in 2017. The staff member said the city can refresh that memo and bring findings back to council for next steps. The planning representative also said staff would follow up with on-site checks and additional outreach to clarify the current status of the gate and any needed enforcement.

Council did not take formal action on the item during the public-comment period but asked staff to re-examine property records and report back.

Community relevance: Crescent View residents said the easement affects public access to the bay and neighborhood quality of life; staff identified existing documentation and agreed to refresh the title search and return with recommendations.