Despite The Cold Weather, Westport Beach Committee Is Still Dealing With Problems

Summer is over but the Westport Beach Committee is still encountering some issues.

According to Wicked Local, Committee member Jefferson Bull said people have been parking illegally along Beach Avenue under the notion that the parking rules only apply to the summer months. “Many people seem to not understand the signs that are halfway down the road and I suggest that we put up a sign that says ‘no parking both sides all year.’”

Right now the signs there say “no parking both sides of the road” but does not specify the time of year.

Bull says people have been polite when committee members have redirected them. He recommended replacing the signs with new ones highlighting the rules and selectmen agreed to the changes.

This issue represents a stressful year for the Beach Committee and other town authorities with respect to parking at town beaches. Last summer, authorities encountered parking issues at Cherry & Webb Beach and a higher demand for parking decals due to the increase in price at other beaches.

The Beach Committee agreed to revise some of its rules and regulations in early 2016. It also agreed that people will now have to apply online for a parking decal, freeing up the town clerk and her staff. The town experimented on Labor Day weekend with shuttle buses at Town Hall to potentially transport people to the beach but they did not have to use this service.

Beach Avenue also might be the recipient of some changes soon. Last summer the Buzzard Bay Coalition unveiled three proposals for revamping the area, using grant funds for dune restoration and other funds for improvements.

Hopefully all of the problems with the beaches will be fixed before next summer, which will hopefully be a hot one.

Additional Reporting by Kiah Heron