By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES — In an about-face, the Naples Board of Selectmen decided to honor the wishes of the land-owners around Tricky Pond and to sell two lots on the pond, rather than retain the land for public access.

A motion to table the matter was mentioned but never seconded. As the discussion continued, the selectmen resolved to go the route of selling the two waterfront lots.

During the meeting, several people had mentioned how appropriate it would be to sell the land and put the money in the town’s coffers. 

On Monday night, more than two-dozen people who have homes on Tricky Pond showed up at the town hall. Many of the property-owners expressed concerns about creating a second access point, especially since the Naples Public Boat Launch off Route 114 has become a place where people drink alcohol; purchase, sell and use illegal drugs; and make fire pits to stay past dusk. Some residents said they didn’t want the same activity to be repeated at another side of the pond. Neighbors testified taking it upon themselves to put out fires and pick up unsavory trash. 

The pieces of property in question are two, undeveloped lots with waterfront access. 

“Two parcels on Mayberry Landing are owned by the town due to non-payment of taxes. Per our tax-acquired property policy, we first need to offer it to the previous owner with conditions. In this case, the previous owner is deceased,” according to Naples Town Manger John Hawley.

A few weeks ago, the Naples Land Use Committee (NLUC) was asked to evaluate the property for retention. This month, the committee formally voted to advise the town’s elected officials to keep the land.

“Land use came back with a recommendation to keep it. That was why there was so much opposition. All the abutters were dead set against the town keeping the land,” Hawley said.

In fact, in the 24 hours prior to Monday’s meeting, more than 20 emails were written in opposition of the keeping the land.   

The board almost tabled the issue “to consider the parks and land use recommendation a little bit further,” Hawley said. 

Nobody seconded the motion to table it, and the selectmen’s discussion continued. 

“Land Use didn’t have a proposed use for the parcel. Because they didn’t come back with firm recommendation for use, the board voted to not retain it. The select-board voted to sell the parcel.”

The next step is to research the fair market price. Also, as required by the town’s tax-acquired land policy, the abutters will be offered the chance to purchase the lots first.

The selectmen do not meet again until Jan. 9, 2023.

People testify during Naples meeting

The NLUC Chairman David Garcia shared his thoughts via Zoom. His comments kicked off the discussion about this agenda item.

“After talking with Loon Echo and the selectmen and members of our committee, our conclusion is that the town should retain that property. We should keep it as green space,” Garcia said, adding, “Most people won’t even realize that the Town of Naples owns it.”

Arleen Shepherd, the newest member of the NLUC, explained why she voted against keeping the land.  

“Tricky Pond is one of the most beautiful lakes in Naples. It has a boat launch that is free. It has a fabulous trail,” she said. “We already have public access to Tricky Pond. Everyone goes there for free.”

The town does not have the manpower to regularly maintain or police it, “but the town tries its best” and volunteers shoulder much of the work, she said. 

“This town needs money. We have the opportunity to make $400,000 to $600,000. Let’s sell it and run with it,” Shepherd said. 

One the people who agreed with selling the lots was Larry Anton.

“It is not suitable for swimming at all. As a public accessto the lake, it stinks. You cannot be removing rocks and putting in sand to create a beach. It is just a poor decision. If you want a new town office, sell these two pieces of property and put the money toward that,” Anton said. 

One Tricky Pond neighbor, who did not provide her name when she stepped to the microphone, has a view of the boat ramp from her home. As a milfoil boat inspector, she spends some time at the recreational spot. However, the recreational activities people engage in are not confined to boating and swimming. She has called law enforcement to report couples having sex on the boat ramp. On a daily basis, she picked up the trash left behind: used condoms, wine bottles, cases of beer, hypodermic needles. Since there are no Porta-potties, people defecate on the premises. 

“The reason I have seen this increase in activity is because the north end was finally shut down. So all the illegal activity moved here,” she said. “The problem with you retaining it: All these same issues are going to happen there.” 

She ended her very descriptive testimony by saying, “I don’t think people know what is going on.”

Chairman Jim Grattelo responded by saying, “They do now.” 

The argument for retaining the lots included preserving the green space and protecting the water quality. But neighbors argued that the people who use the public access do plenty of damage and a future homeowner would be more conscientious.  

Chairman Grattelo asked, “How many people from Tricky Pond would like to see the land put up for sale?”

More than a few dozen hands went up. 

Tory Ryden, a landowner on the pond, shared her thoughts. 

“I am against holding onto the property. Are we at West Palm Beach? No. We are a very poor town,” Ryden said.  

“This building is falling in on itself. The lake has plenty of access. We need to do the right thing and put this money toward something that will be lasting,” she said.  

“We all love our pond. The people who buy that property and build a house will love it, too,” Ryden said.