Selectmen, business owners and residents brought potential solutions and some out-of-the-box thinking to a town workshop Dec. 17 to address Boothbay Harbor parking concerns. It was the selectboard’s second workshop on parking this year after one in October focused on identifying problems.  

Despite the focus, many of the same complaints were brought up. Business owners Ralph Smith and Clifton Cane said that time limits on spaces and the extension of enforcement hours puts a strain on customers. Smith said he has never come across more complaints about parking than this year, and customers felt hurried to finish a meal or leave their table to avoid a ticket.  

“To ask somebody to sit down at the table and run away after spending ($200 on a meal) because of a parking issue. It is a little tough, and I don't know the answer,” Smith said.  

The conversation also touched on downtown employees. Smith said he allows employees to park at his house and rents out two more parking spaces for them, costing thousands of dollars a year. However, many downtown workers park their cars in public spaces, competing with customers.  

“The people who are trying to work here and make a living are still parking on the street and they have no choice,” Smith said. 

Shifting towards solutions, participants talked about potentially available lots in town. Selectman Ken Rayle said he estimates there are almost 500 spots owned by business and organizations, not counting town parking or residences. The board discussed a potential system that would incentivize businesses to open their lots for parking during off hours. 

In addition, Cane presented a novel proposal most suited for employee parking. He said landowners could register into a town-managed program to rent out their unused parking spaces. In return, the property owners would receive a property tax rebate. Cane estimated it could provide around 100-200 spots. “Let's stop thinking about town owned parking and let's expand it to everybody’s parking,” he said. 

Several people also brought up remote parking. Residents and board members discussed if spaces at the high school or local organizations, such as the Rotary and Lions clubs, could be offered with regular shuttles downtown. The board discussed whether remote parking may also be available for overnight and long-term spots. Balmy Days Cruises owner Bill Campbell said such an option, if priced right, could help the town compete with Port Clyde for travelers going to Mohegan Island.  

Rayle cited a study from Wood Hole, Massachusetts that said it takes several years of operation to see a benefit from a shuttle, but the board also discussed if there was a private business opportunity for such an operation. However, board member Alyssa Allen said that there was a shuttle system previously set up at the high school that was “very, very underutilized.”  

The board also discussed land acquisition for a new parking lot. “I think most of us in the business community think that another lot is kind of essential,” said selectman Mark Gimbel, who owns a business downtown. Gimbel said there might be potential for a combination of private and public funding to purchase a lot if one became available.  

Town Manager Julia Latter said it would be possible to purchase land, but the process is lengthy and requires a town vote. In addition, board members questioned what land could be available that is suitable for parking and not in wetlands.  

In addition, Selectman Mark Osborn discussed limiting commuter parking, in-town parking for those traveling out of Boothbay Harbor. According to him, there are more commuter spaces in Boothbay Harbor than owned by the municipality, and he proposed putting a restriction on future commuter lots downtown. “That kind of feels a little uncomfortable to say that, but at the same time, if you have a problem, you kind of want to stop the bleeding,” he said.