2003-11-04T22:03:00.000-06:00

This issue concerns the City of City of Madeira Beach, Florida, and its right to violate the terms of a deed created when a 2.5 acre beachfront property was given by my grandfather and David Welch to the city in the 1930's as a rehabilitation location for veterans.

My grandfather's wish was that the property would remain free of commercial development. He stated that it could not be leased or sold, and no commercial activity would ever take place there. Now, the City wants to enter into a contract to build a 150-seat restaurant on this land, one of the few remaining accessible public beaches on the Gulf coast.

Last month, this controversy was reported by an ABC Action News investigative reporter, Ren Scott. The video clip is available at
http://www.abcactionnews.com/video/news/2003/10/1030beachfront.html

I need you to write to the NPS (bill_huie@nps.gov) and/or to the ABC Action News investigative reporter (rscott@wfts.com) to express your viewpoint on the US Government not honoring the wishes and the deed covenants of my grandfather and David Welch.

With Sincere Thanks,

Alex Archibald
San Antonio, Texas

Archibald Park and the National Park System