Peaks Island residents will receive improvements both on the peninsula and on the Island itself according to a press release issued this afternoon by the city spokeswoman. The press release also comes the evening before a public meeting is to be held at the Casco Bay Lines Conference room tomorrow morning at 7:45 am to announce a decision on the oversized ferry planned for Peaks. Presumably, the timing of the city’s release of its press release and the meeting is not a coincidence.
The city will make 42 on-street parking spaces on the 295-side of Marginal Way (from the state park and ride lot to Cove Street) part of the Island Residential Parking Zone for those Islanders who have a resident permit parking sticker. The 42-spots are two-hour parking parking spaces, but those with the Island Residential Permit sticker will be exempt. The city will operate a disability-accessible shuttle during Casco Bay ferry operations. The shuttle will transport individuals parking in these spaces back and forth between Marginal Way and the Casco Bay Ferry Terminal.
The shuttle will operate seven days a week in conjunction with the ferry schedule starting June 15, 2019 until September 30, 2019 and have room for up to 14 passengers plus luggage. This will be a pilot program to help determine permanent transit solutions for the future. The shuttle will be free to the public during the pilot phase. Downtown Transit Tax Increment financing funds will be used to pay for and operate the shuttles.
Improvements to Welch Street and Ferry Experience: The city is committed to a full review of the ferry landing area along with improvements that will enhance the boarding experience at Peaks Island. The city will work with all parties on passenger queuing and passenger separation issues to ensure that passengers waiting to board the ferry to Portland can do so in a safe and orderly manner. (Sounds like the city manager wants to milk as much tourism money from Peaks Island as he can).
The city also recognizes the need to improve infrastructure along Welch Street and will work to improve the sidewalk and street “experience” so pedestrians and motor vehicles can access the ferry landing in a safe way. The city will engage in a public process to determine what works best for the Island according to the press release issued by the city spokeswoman.
At the 7:45 am meeting with Hank Berg, of Casco Bay Lines, there will be an opportunity for public comment. There will be various reports before “consideration and action” will be taken on the over-sized ferry that has concerned residents of Peaks Island. The vote was delayed at the March 28, 2019 meeting until tomorrow, Thursday, May 23, 2019.
Perhaps the team of J&R is trying to soften the bitter pill Islanders will probably receive tomorrow morning from Hank Berg, General Manager, of CBL.
Please see previous post herein dated March 28, 2019 for more background information on the over-sized ferry. Please also see previous post herein dated May 20, 2019 on the loss of Engine 1 on Munjoy Hill.