After the bridge over the George Brook was destroyed in 1987, the northern end of Livermore’s Batten Road was discontinued, which means it remains town property and is a public right-of-way.

In 1992, town officials allowed the operator of a gravel pit to block the road and prevent public access from the north. No public meeting was held and no notification was made to area or abutting landowners.

As a matter of record, an agreement was made that the mining operator would eventually repair any damage to the road, restore it to a safe and passable condition and reopen it to the public.

A culvert has recently been placed near the location of the original bridge. A local landowner has gated the road, blocking public access from the south.

This matter was brought to the attention of town officials last fall. A written request was made that public access be restored. However, the same landowner who had previously agreed to do so now refuses to restore the road to passable condition.

Town officials admit it was a mistake to allow the road to be gated. Their solution is to abandon the road, in effect rewarding the very landowners who have violated public rights.

If successful, their plan will leave the 12 or 13 full-time residents in this section of town without the convenience or emergency access this road would provide.

We can’t let town officials take away our rights in favor of special interests.

Steve Mancine, Livermore