Our property at Viking Cove has been in the news a bit lately. My husband and I bought the property three years ago. The property had been vacant for a long time, and people came to think of it as public. For some people, it has been an adjustment to have it occupied, but by and large our reception has been warm and welcoming.

We have, however, been the target of an aggressive campaign by a few people who believe we are infringing on their rights by not allowing boat storage or parking. We have had our property vandalized six times now, including someone who intentionally ran over my son’s tricycle and not including careless littering and rude behavior. Last Saturday, two people organized a party on our property and invited the entire town via radio and posters. We called the troopers, and apologize to those who were there perhaps believing we’d invited them. We’ve also been sued in court, an expensive and wasteful lawsuit by someone who has never bothered to speak civilly to us.

This has all been incredibly stressful and disappointing. Here is our position. We have a beautiful piece of property with a stunning beach. There is a state-owned cul de sac 200 feet away where you can park; please don’t park on the property. You are welcome to come here and walk on the beach. We say that sincerely. But please also remember that it is private property, and that it is our front yard.

Sally Andersen

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