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The Camden Select Board voted 4-1 on Tuesday to delay the start of expanded paid parking until June 22. Board member Ken Gross opposed the motion.
Select Board member Alison McKellar suggested delaying implementation of paid parking until after the June 9 election.
She noted that resident parking stickers are not yet available because the town office is waiting for them to arrive from the printer. Under the program, residents who pay excise taxes in Camden are entitled to two free hours of parking per day, and the stickers were approved to make this easier.
However, the town said in an email that while awaiting the stickers, residents can still access the program. “Parking enforcement is not by sticker, so displaying one is not a requirement to receive permit benefits. Enforcement is by scanning license plates.”
It was noted at the meeting that about 721 residents have signed up for the benefit.
McKellar said people in town are understandably confused about the parking changes and updates. She added that the summer season starts later anyway.
Gross argued that changing the season’s start date would contribute to the confusion.
“I don’t think we should tinker with it,” he said.
He said that if most residents are like him, they already had the May 22 date in mind.
Board member Christopher Rheault made the motion to delay the paid parking implementation and ensure educational materials and handouts are available through the town office.
Camden residents can sign up for the resident parking permit at ParkCamden.com.
In a communication sent out by the town Wednesday, officials noted: “Green lines indicate paid parking spaces. Blue lines indicate spaces that are free for two hours. The lot behind the Knox Mill and the upper lot next to the fire station, as well as unmarked streets, are free all day unless signs say otherwise.”
Rates for paid parking will be $2 per hour, with a 30-minute minimum costing $1. Time is allotted in 15-minute increments.
Once it starts, the parking season is expected to continue through Oct. 31, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except at the Public Landing, where paid parking runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Sundays, paid parking hours are noon to 6 p.m., with the Public Landing again extending until 8 p.m.
This story appears through a media partnership with Midcoast Villager.
