The board of selectmen want to curb parking problems around the Boothbay Common. The selectmen are considering imposing new parking guidelines on organizations using the field.

In past weeks, the selectmen have witnessed and received numerous complaints about the traffic caused by the farmers market. Complaints have ranged from vehicles being parked illegally to traffic being backed up as far as the Boothbay Harbor Hannaford’s.

But parking isn’t only a problem during the farmers market. Local crafters also use the common. On Aug. 6, an illegally parked car created a potential traffic hazard during the craft fair. This resulted in Town Manager Dan Bryer searching for the vehicle’s owner and requesting its removal.

This is the third year that the Boothbay Farmers Market has occupied the common. The market runs Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon from May to October. The market has attracted big crowds in past years, but this year’s is the largest to date, according to Bryer.

“It’s a phenomenal event. One of the best we have in town,” Bryer said. “But we’re getting to the threshold where safety is becoming a concern.”

Bryer described his safety concerns during the Aug. 12 selectmen’s meeting. The constant “trickle” of pedestrians crossing the street halts traffic and numerous cars parked near the common creates a visibility problem.

“It’s dangerous situation. We hear screeching tires in the town office of drivers hitting the brakes avoiding pedestrians. People just aren’t thinking when using the crosswalk. And it’s becoming a serious problem,” Bryer said.

The selectmen are also concerned about illegally parked cars damaging the common. Bryer believes the town’s sidewalk project should prevent future damage from illegally parked cars. The sidewalks are expected to create a buffer between parked cars and the common. 

In the meantime, the town is searching for a remedy of too many cars and not enough parking. Space is so limited during large public events that drivers park in restricted zones.

“We have no parking signs along the common,” said Selectman Chuck Cunningham. “And I’ve gone by a few times and seen cars parked in front of a no parking sign. Now those signs are there for a reason. Something needs to be done because this is a safety issue.”

The selectmen directed Bryer to discuss the situation with Boothbay Farmers Market officials to work out a short-term solution. The selectmen are also considering long-term fixes. The board may require organizations provide traffic control next year.

The selectmen also discussed another complaint regarding the common. Selectman Steve Lewis received a complaint about an antique show charging a $5 admission fee. The selectmen amended how the town handles requests from admission-charging organizations. The new policy requires all such requests to receive board approval. 

The selectmen also want to receive a portion of funds raised from admission fees. Non-admission charging organizations will still receive approval from the town manager.

“We provide the area free of charge, so if they’re charging admission, we ought to get a percentage,” Lewis said.

The current policy requires organizations to fill out an application. The town manager approves the requests and schedules all events.