Published on April 14, 2020

Vendors of expressive matter at Fort Williams Park will operate in a slightly different location when the park reopens this season.

The Town Council on April 13, 2020 voted to move the area designated for vending expressive matter away from the sidewalk and entrance to the new central parking lot.

Vendors of expressive matter have been allowed to operate next to the central parking lot since 2013, when the existing policy was established. "Things have changed last time policy was reviewed," said Town Manager Matthew Sturgis, referring to last summer's improvements to the parking lot. [news article]

The new spot is about 30 feet from where vendors had been allowed, leaving a buffer between them and the now more heavily traveled roadway and crosswalk. It also allows an unobstructed view for motorists leaving the lot, Sturgis said.

Councilors stressed that the move is temporary, and noted the intention of the Fort Williams Park Committee to safely accommodate free expression in the upcoming rewrite of the park's master plan. Councilor Jamie Garvin said he expects "substantial time and energy" to be invested in identifying a specific and dedicated space for the vending of expressive material.