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By MICHAEL SOUZA
NARRAGANSETT – With summer quickly approaching, there is a mounting problem at the Narragansett Pier; parking, or rather, the lack of it. Representatives from Gilbane will be present at the next council meeting on May 5, to discuss the situation.
The problem is a direct result of the successful redevelopment of the Pier. In that respect it’s a good problem to have, but the reality is you can squeeze a finite amount of vehicles in only so much space. “Summer parking is always hard and this year it’ll only get worse,” said Director Patti Arkwright of the Maury Loontjens Memorial Library. “We hold a lot of programs, like our summer reading program, that are very popular, but there’s no place to park,” she said. With the return of shops in the plaza, the successful Belmont Market, condominium renovations and the new Trio Restaurant, parking spaces will be at a premium. Add the public safety building, the library and comfort station into the mix and problems are inevitable. “Last year we worked out an agreement where our employees could park in the Belmont lot. With the new restaurant, that won’t be allowed. We’ll have to carpool,” Arkwright said. Based on the input of others, Town Manager Jeffry Ceasrine has proposed several measures to address the problem and presented them to the town council Monday night for approval. The proposals do not change existing street parking restrictions in “permit parking only” areas. “This is a case of be careful what you wish for, you may get it,” said Steven Glazer, Pier resident and member of the planning board. “This amendment will go a long way in helping parking in the area.” The town is considering opening the south beach parking lot in the evening for Pier business employees once official beach activities are complete. Another method addresses daytime parking and plaza businesses. In the past, the town issued parking stickers to each store and their employees, leading to abuse by off duty personnel. The new plan considers issuing a restricted amount of “hanging” permits to each business in an effort to reduce abuse. The town is also plans on issuing as many as four “hanging” permits for each property owner in “permit parking only” areas. Police, Fire and library personnel would also be issued such permits. “This is all good, but the problem is that there are only so many parking spaces,” said Councilwoman Krista Garrett. The problem isn’t new. In January, the council authorized Ceasrine to enter into an agreement with Gilbane, to temporarily acquire 13 more spaces at no cost. It also was a factor in prompting a new study to move the public safety building to a different location. As the Gilbane condominium project progresses, more and more parking will be dedicated to their tenants. |
