By Margie Plunkett
OCEAN RIDGE — Ocean Ridge will resume barrier spraying to combat no-see-ums for three months through the end of the summer season at a price of up to $18,650. The commission’s vote to proceed followed a lengthy debate that spanned several meetings: Issues included residents’ discomfort, environmental harm and whether no-see-ums were a public or private nuisance. The town had decided not to spray this year, but public protest against being eaten alive by no-see-ums, which live in the mangroves and make a blood meal of Ocean Ridge residents, grew as time passed.
All but one commissioner voted to temporarily spray, with Terry Brown the lone dissenter. Brown had argued — in addition to environmental concerns — that the spraying was benefitting a limited number of residents, therefore using public funds for a private purpose.
Mayor Ken Kaleel, however, disagreed, noting the spraying benefitted far more residents than the 46 property owners whose land will be sprayed. Spraying for the three months will give Ocean Ridge a better idea of whether the backpack treatment alone — without a truck spraying weekly via roadways — will be effective against the pest, he said.
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