03/28/2019

Hearing April 8 on traffic ordinance sets stage for future hearing, action on Fort Williams Park parking fee

The Town Council will hold a public hearing April 8, 2019 on proposed updates to the town's traffic ordinance to support a pay/display parking program at Fort Williams Park.

The hearing is the first of at least two public hearings the council is expected to hold as they move closer to a decision on whether to charge fees for parking at Fort Williams Park. If the ordinance amendments are approved, they would take effect in 30 days.

A hearing on the fee program itself will likely be held on May 6, at the same time the council will take public comment on the proposed fiscal 2019-20 municipal budget.

A decision on pay/display parking, in addition to the 2019-20 budget, is expected at the May 13 Town Council meeting.

Revenues from Fort Williams Park parking fees are not part of the draft $13.62 million budget for non-school services, but Town Manager Matthew Sturgis said the numbers could be adjusted if the council adopts the program. A proposal from Unified Parking Partners, the only firm to bid on implementing pay/display parking, predicts annual revenue for the town of nearly $317,000.

Here are some highlights of the pay/display parking proposal: [ download town manager's synopsis]

• Fees collected May 1-Nov. 1 only
• Ten meters would be installed in five premium areas of the park, covering 270 parking spaces
• Areas for free parking to the rear of the park (Playground, Children's Garden, Officers Row areas)
• Cape Elizabeth residents would park for free with a pass available at the police department
• Non-residents would pay:
  • $2 with a minimum of 2 hours ($4 minimum per visit).
  • $10 full day
  • $15 seasonal pass
    

The Town Council last voted to implement parking fees at the park in 2010, but reversed their vote following a townwide, advisory referendum [News Article]. Parking fees were also considered and rejected by the council in 2003; and twice in 2006, the second time after a townwide referendum [News Article]