08/14/2018

Blueprint for Fort Williams parking system sent to council workshop

A subcommittee of the Fort Williams Park Committee has submitted a blueprint for how a pay/display parking system might work for the park.

The proposal, complete with recommendations for implementation and enforcement, estimated revenues and a map depicting pay/display unit locations, will be reviewed by the Town Council at their workshop Sept. 17, 2018.

The plan was developed by a three-member subcommittee of the Fort Williams Park Committee at the request of the council. The group met three times in July, presented it to the full park committee Aug. 7 and the council received the report at their meeting Aug. 13.

Under the proposal, 10 seasonal, cashless pay/display parking meters would govern 270 spaces in five "premium" lots, with 144 spaces for free and overflow parking.

"A key aspect that I don't think we asked (the committee) to do, but I thought was really good, was the proposal that there's going to be a section of free parking," said Town Councilor Chris Straw.

The plan includes offering a "Patrons of Fort Williams Park" seasonal pass for Cape Elizabeth residents at $5, and $15 for out-of-towners; with a $2-per-hour, 2-hour minimum daily metered parking fee. Sliding savings will exist for longer stays.

The subcommittee is further recommending the pay/display equipment be outsourced, rather than purchased or leased. Enforcement would also be outsourced, supplemented by park rangers.

"There are multiple facets to this," said Town Manager Matthew Sturgis, affirming his recommendation to refer the report to a workshop.

A separate recommendation on fees for commercial passenger vehicles is expected to be on the council's next meeting agenda Sept. 10.