There’s a dance in Boothbay Harbor that many do, but no one seems to like. Residents came to an unusually crowded Selectmen's meeting Oct. 8 and talked about the "two-hour tango," a number where downtown drivers park their car then shimmy it to a nearby space in time to avoid fines. 

"This is the most ridiculous thing that we have to do," said William Smith, who works downtown. "We pull up. We have a spot there. We back it to the next spot. We go to the next spot. What good does that do? Really? If that's the little game we have to play in order to comply, give us a break."

The complaints were part of a larger conversation around parking after changes earlier this year. Ordinance changes passed at the May 5 town meeting, including increased fines, extending enforced parking from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and charging for parking on Sundays and holidays. In addition, the town implemented new technology to enforce parking, including handheld devices and a meter system that only accepts payment through credit card or mobile app.  

At Monday’s meeting, Police Chief Doug Snyder gave the annual parking report. He said the town made around $199,000 in parking revenue in 2024, up from $133,000 in 2023 but down from $218,000 in 2022. Tickets were also up in 2024, and he said the department issued 481 tickets and voided 165; In 2023, they issued 150 tickets and voided 44, and, in 2022, the issued 300 and voided 44. Snyder said he expects to see a decrease in tickets over the next few years because the fines are steep. 

According to Snyder, the 2024 addition of community service officers was a significant reason for the increased numbers. Overall, he said the positions were successful for both enforcing parking and community outreach, noting initiatives such as carrying dog treats to foster goodwill. According to him, adding another position, a full-time, $20 an hour job, would improve the program next year.

However, Snyder recommended several changes. He called the long-term parking a “bust” and suggested reducing spots next year, noting it made $3,120 compared to the $5,690 that bus and RV parking generated. In addition, he said he received complaints about increased fees and feedback that the town needs more more parking signs. Snyder added he did not think it was necessary to increase fines next year.

Snyder also discussed adding a structure at the Footbridge lot, coordinating with the Chamber of Commerce to include maps and other tourist information. In addition, Town Manager Julia Latter reported the town received an around $100,000 grant from Efficiency Maine to install eight electric vehicle chargers next spring. She said the entire project will cost around $125,000, and the remainder of the funds are covered by federal tax credits.  

The public, however, was more critical. A mix of employers, employees and residents, spoke up at the meeting with their concerns. However, they acknowledged the problems weren't soley caused by the recent changes, and that parking is a longstanding problem in a town with limited spaces and land to install more.  

According to several business owners and employees, parking is especially difficult for people working in town. Winter Page, a local server, said she was on a private parking lot’s waiting list for five years and a space never opened up. Eventually, she got lucky when a friend bought property she could rent a space from. In addition, many said the increase in fees and fines have been a strain. 

“I just turned around and was able to squeeze everything to pay my employees more. And what happens? You took it all away in parking,” said Annette Nager, owner of Shear Artistry. 

Some said their customers also aren't happy, especially with the two-hour spots downtown. Betsy Wildes, a stylist, said she both struggles to pay parking and has had clients that rush their appointments to avoid fines, not staying to grab food or shop.  

“I’ve seen so many people leave their meals and their families to move their car to avoid a ticket,” Page also noted.  

Clifton Cane, who owns the Cannery as well a business in Camden and Portland, told a similar story. He said enforcing parking to 8 p.m. isn't normal, and added a family has to seperate during their meal to deal with parking. 

“One of those persons has to leave and go and search around the town (for parking),” he said. “... So, you're not going to come back to Boothbay Harbor because you have had this bad experience.” 

However, residents came prepared with ideas. Suggestions included resident or employee parking passes, changing traffic patterns for one-way street parking, reserving employee parking, buying land for a new parking lot, or even building one underground. The board listened to their concerns and was generally open to them. Board chair Michael Tomko asked Latter to set up a publicly advertised workshop, which he said could be an opportunity to roll up their sleeves and brainstorm creative ideas. Other selectboard members agreed.  

“The board is willing to look at things outside the box to try to change the lack of momentum in making parking changes from where we’ve been,” said selectman Ken Rayle. “I think we can really make a difference. It may be really incremental here and there but there may be a home run somewhere.”   

In other business, selectmen approved Jeff Lowell, a former Harbor Master, as the new Harbor Master and Hristo Ivanov as a member of the Budget Committee.