Press Release  AG Campbell Secures Court Victory Protecting Public Access To Andrews Point In Rockport

BOSTON — Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell announced today that the Commonwealth secured a court victory preserving the public’s right to access coastal rocks and ledges at Andrews Point in Rockport after the Massachusetts Land Court ruled that a deed restriction dating back more than 135 years remains valid and enforceable. 

Located along Rockport’s coastline, Andrews Point is a stretch of shoreline known for its rocky ledges, ocean views, and longstanding public use. The area has long been a destination for residents and visitors who walk the coast, enjoy the landscape, and observe wildlife. 

The case involved property at 18 Long Branch Avenue in Rockport, where an 1887 deed included a condition requiring that certain “ledges and rocks” conveyed with the property “forever remain open to the general public.” The property owners challenged whether that public access requirement remained in effect and sought to eliminate these public rights to use the land. 

The Land Court ruled in favor of the Commonwealth, finding that the deed created a valid dedication of the rocks and ledges for recreational purposes. The Court’s decision preserves the public’s ability to continue accessing the coastal area consistent with the terms of the historic deed. 

“Massachusetts’ coastline is a treasured public resource, and this decision affirms the importance of protecting public access to our shared natural spaces,” said AG Campbell. “My office will continue to defend the Commonwealth’s interests and ensure that longstanding public rights to public spaces remain preserved for generations to come.” 

The Attorney General’s Office defended the Commonwealth’s interest in maintaining the public access provision and argued that the deed’s language represented a valid dedication for public use. 

This matter was handled by Senior Land Use Counsel Kendra Kinscherf and Assistant Attorney General Joel Quick, both from AG Campbell’s Government Bureau. 

###