Heights Beach Parking Lot Plan Working

On July 25, Don Hoffer, Beach Department Superintendent, reported to the Board of Selectmen (BOS) that the 6 week old Falmouth Heights Beach Parking Lot Management Plan is working as intended.  An attendant, who is present from 6:30-10:30 PM, closes the lot at 10:00 PM and locks it at 10:30 PM, after which any remaining parked vehicles are ticketed.  Fewer than 2 dozen tickets have been issued with no user complaints.

FHMIA President Winnie Grant reported that late night disruption in the neighborhood has been reduced significantly, but not eliminated.  Vandalism still exists.  Ms. Grant encouraged the BOS to continue the use of attendants.

One attendant  reported that the lot is full every night and that many users are enjoying the beach and not necessarily patronizing the local establishments.  With future funding for this attendant uncertain, members of the BOS requested that the attendants now survey the lot’s users for total number of vehicles per night and total number with a valid Town of Falmouth beach sticker.  If the BBC funding does not continue next year, Selectman Putnam suggested allowing sticker holders be admitted while non-sticker holders be charged, with the income helping to defray the cost for the attendant.

General Manager of the Casino Wharf FX, Thomas Paulini, requested a 1:00AM closing, stating his opinion that the current plan was “hindering business”.  He also expressed concern with the current plan’s method of funding (BBC reimbursement to the town for the cost of the attendants) as “a conflict of interest”.   

Of concern to the FHMIA Board Members present was the mention by Selectman Kevin Murphy of  the possibility of “baby steps”, closing the gap between the current 10:30 PM closing and Mr. Paulini’s 1:00 AM  request. 

The Selectmen will continue to operate the lot for the rest of the summer with the current plan in place. 

FHMIA Board Members also attended the July 27 Beach Committee meeting which included a review of the BOS discussion.  It was confirmed that the attendant is posted at the entrance to the lot, greeting the occupants of incoming vehicles, welcoming them to our neighborhood, and reminding them to avoid a ticket by exiting the lot before 10:30 PM.  The Beach Committee’s main concern is to have the beach clean and ready for visitors by the 8:00 AM opening.

See The Falmouth Enterprise article, Friday July 29, 2011, page 3:  New Parking Plan At Heights Reduces Noise, Vandalism.