The group called "Save Our Beach" has started a petition drive to preserve the Wonn Road access to the beach at Greenbank.

So far, a petition at Coupe's Greenbank Store has been signed by 50 or so people, store owner Mary Coupe said Monday.

Controversy over access to the beach on Wonn Road erupted in June after longtime resident Glen Russell drew attention to a wall being built near the end of the county roadway by the Montgomery family. Russell said construction of the stone-and-concrete wall will impede public access to the beach.

The Montgomerys, however, have said the wall has been built on land they own.

The Island County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is researching the ownership of the land, and county officials have said they will order the wall removed if it is indeed on public property.

Coupe said the Montgomerys are well known by the staff at the store.

"They're a lovely family," she said.

Coupe stressed the store is not taking sides but would like to see county officials resolve the dispute.

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