BRUNSWICK
The Brunswick Town Council Monday amended the fee at Union Street parking lot after complaints of the cost caused concern it could deter public transportation ridership.
Voting 7-2, the council decided to reduce the $5 fee to $1 until May 1, when the fee will rise again to $5. In that time, the council hopes that plans to develop a long-term parking lot on Cedar Street will be realized in conjunction with the Maine Department of Transportation.
Development Director Linda Smith said there is a possibility of an 80/20 grant match with the MDOT to pave the lot, as well as include lighting, drainage, and landscaping.
Councilor Suzan Wilson said the board should take the next six months, look at the big picture presented, and work toward long-term parking solutions.
Councilor Jane Millett, who voted against the measure, said parking in Brunswick has been an issue for 40 years, saying she served on a parking committee decades ago. Councilor Sarah Brayman said from speaking with constituents, it was clear the fee was discouraging people from riding the Metro Breez. As the council voted to invest $70,000 in the transportation service, it is not in the interest of the council to undercut its investment, she said.
Brayman said public transportation is key to the development of the town. “It helps younger people, the environment, and eases congestion on 295,” she said.
The fee was imposed to address parking concerns for long-term parking, and to deter people from abusing the lot so those taking public transportation could have access to parking.
Millett said a common complaint of the public regarding the council and parking complaints is the issue is discussed at length, but there is no action. Problems include people, especially students, parking in the lot for extended periods of time leaving no spaces for those using public transportation. There are about 40 parking spaces at the long-term parking lot.
A $50 fee can also be imposed for each day a vehicle is parked without payment.
The council will meet again Nov. 6.
jlaaka@timesrecord.com
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