A heads up to all who heat with coal: There is currently a proposal before the Homer Parks and Recreation Commission to ban all vehicles from Bishop’s Beach — including vehicles used to collect coal. To the commission’s credit, the members are encouraging input from the public before making a final recommendation to the Homer City Council. One option under consideration is to allow a seasonal exemption for vehicles used to transport coal — the exemption running from October through March.

If this issue is important to you, you must make your voice heard. The Parks and Recreation Commission is holding several public hearings during March and into April to address this issue, along with other concerns relating to Bishop’s Beach.

You are encouraged to either speak out at one of the public hearings at City Hall, or email your comments to the city clerk at: clerk@ci.homer.ak.us.

You can also write a letter to: Parks and Recreation Commission, c/o City Clerks Office, City of Homer, 491 E. Pioneer Ave., Homer AK, 99603.

Below the property line of adjacent land-owners, Bishop’s Beach is a public asset, and should be available to all responsible user-groups.

Robert Townsend