Beach Access at the Heart of Disagreement between Mel Gibson and Municipality of Nicoya

In the Municipality of Nicoya, studies have been underway to open a roadway as part of an effort to establish a connection between the beaches of Barco Quebrado and Barrigona as well as a road between the beaches of Bajo Escondido and Pavones. According to article 23 of Law 6043 of the Maritime Land Zone, the beaches are public areas and the municipality is responsible for ensuring the all Costa Ricans are provided with access to the beaches. Actor Mel Gibson, who owns a beachfront property bordering an area where a roadway would be established to connect the beaches of Barco Quebrado and Barrigona is reportedly unhappy with such plans and has even closed access to the area. According to the local mayor, such a move is illegal, as the land in question is owned by the state and the municipality. The mayor subsequently contacted representatives of Gibson in order to have the passage opened, but no agreement was reached. The actor's sprawling beachside estate was listed for sale at just under $30 million. Gibson is not the only property owner in the area who is unhappy with the plan to build a roadway connected the beaches. Other neighbors have expressed concern about such a project, stating the land in the area is part of a protected forest. There is also concern that opening the passageway could lead to further development of the beach areas. Neighbors have also objected to the opening of a passageway until a regulatory plan has been approved and the public has been provided the opportunity to provide input. Mayor Jimenez has stated that beach access must be provided even if a regulatory plan is not in place, but has also confirmed that the law does require a regulatory plan for any other development to take place. Of particular concern by the mayor is the fact that the beaches have become landlocked as a result of bordering properties. Some property owners have claimed that the area is protected by the Ministry of Environment (MINAE), particularly areas near mangrove trees. Even so, the coordinator of the municipal maritime zone department, Juan Carlos Oviedo Quesada, has stated that they are working with MINAE in relation to sensitive issues. He further clarified that the law does provide municipalities with the authority to ensure access to the maritime zone when roads are not in existence.