Barry Hallowell Speaks Out on Wood Duck Access Paths
by Barry Hallowell (as submitted to OceanPinesForum.com for publication)

My wife and I have lived full time in Wood Duck I in Ocean Pines for 17 years. When we purchased and built on the lot, there existed a five foot easement on our property line. Two and one half feet on our side, and the other two and one half feet on our neighbor’s side. As far as I can remember, the first time that I became aware of the easement was at the settlement table.

At the time, it was given little attention during the proceedings. I do not believe there is a Realtor in the area that would bring attention to such a minor detail in conclusion to a sale. So now we settle down to a life of peace and tranquility with our great neighbors, and a fabulous view of Manklin Creek. WRONG! In the first place, there is now a situation, not to our making, that exists. Before we built, our original neighbor had asked her builder to set her house on her lot in such a way as to be on the set back line so that she could have more of a water front view. The then Ocean Pines ECC Committee approved the request. Several years later we built our house, but not before another ECC Committee suggested that our floor plan be flipped, so as not to run two driveways side by side.

A few adjustments were made, and the plan was approved, but what we have now is a situation where I can spit from the corner of my garage to my neighbor’s back porch. This is a close situation. Closer than any of the other four easements in Wood Duck I. In addition, as a courtesy to my neighbor, I have erected three sections of privacy fence so they don’t have to look into my garage when the door is open. My asphalt driveway runs to the garage with a sharp turn that takes it right up against the decorative fence. The fence has been struck several times while negotiating in and out of the garage. I don’t mind the simple repair, as the fence has served its purpose.

Things seem to be moving along smoothly for my wife and I. We both serve on various boards and committees in Ocean City. At times things get hectic, and we enjoy returning home to unwind, but here comes Janet Kelly, who has grabbed onto an issue like a pit bull at the Saturday night fights. Ms. Kelly, kayak and internet friends have launched a campaign to have the Ocean Pines board clear and mark all easements on Wood Duck I. Ms. Kelly is not satisfied with the progress given her request. The relentless effort has gained the attention of the OPA Board, but is tabled and referred to Barbara Kissel and her Recreation and Parks Committee along with other areas of concern.

Several weeks ago, after a long night, I was awakened by voices outside of our bedroom window. On looking outside, I saw the white OPA van and a group of people walking down my driveway and around the side of the house to the bog. I hurriedly dressed and went to my front door. Papers tightly clutched in their arms, they were already shuffling back out the driveway to the van. I asked if there were any questions, and they just stared at each other for a moment, as if to say "who is this creation on the front porch?". After all, they had been blessed by the OPA, and need not concern themselves about a common courtesy of knocking on the door to let someone know what they were about to do.

Finally, Ms. Kissel stepped to the head of the driveway and introduced herself. Having no questions or concerns, they reentered the van. They came, they saw nothing, they know nothing of history or events, and they left filled with grand ideas that will now effect other people’s quality of life. So much for the Recreation and Parks Committee. The ironic part is that these people, at the end of the day, return to their domiciles without having to contend with issues such as this. Do-gooders of the first degree.

Don’t get me wrong, I know what it is to serve on and chair a committee. I sincerely hope that there were no decisions or projects undertaken that became a concern to anyone during my watch. What is wrong with this process? Perhaps there should have been a meeting of all effected parties before the Recreation and Parks Committee made the recommendation public. I have heard nothing from the effected parties on Wood Duck I. It was time for this letter, as public references to this issue have been many, and mostly from one person. As far as any litigations, is there anyone out there that would like to get involved?

Barry Hallowell ~ Wood Duck I