Beach parking fees have not been increased for years. The state raised parking fees last year and our new pavilions may be better served with more staff to keep them in tip-top shape.
The Parks and Recreation Commission concluded that a parking fee increase was justified but the recommendation was not well-received by the public, in emails to the Council and by speakers at the meeting.
Dan Slattery rapidly proposed keeping the resident season passes at the 2011 level instead of raising them.
Several people noted that the use of Federal funds for the Town purchase of Blue Shutters Beach limited the non-resident rates to a maximum of double the resident rates. The Council chose that maximum amount for the Non-resident Season Passes, resulting in a small increase only for the Senior Non-resident pass.
The daily fees seemed less emotional for Charlestown residents, because most probably buy a season pass. The Council voted to accept the Parks and Rec proposal for the daily fees and the season pass for a rental unit.
With poorer facilities in the past at Charlestown Town Beach, the weekend rate was less than for Blue Shutters Beach. The new weekend daily parking fee for Charlestown Town Beach will be double what it was in 2011.
The complete comparison for last year, the Parks and Rec proposal, and the final Council decision are shown here. The 2011 State beach fees are shown for comparison - the daily fees shown are the non-resident rate.
2011
|
Proposed
|
Final 2012
|
State 2011
|
|
Season Pass
|
||||
Resident
|
$45
|
$60
|
$45
|
$60
|
Senior Resident
|
25
|
40
|
25
|
30
|
Non-resident Blue Shutters
|
90
|
120
|
90
|
120
|
Senior Non-resident Blue
Shutters
|
45
|
60
|
50
|
60
|
Daily Fee
|
||||
Charlestown Beach Weekday
|
10
|
$15
|
$15
|
$20
|
Charlestown Beach
Weekend/Holiday
|
10
|
20
|
20
|
28
|
Blue Shutters Beach Weekday
|
10
|
15
|
15
|
|
Blue Shutters Beach
Weekend/Holiday
|
15
|
20
|
20
|
|
Cottage Pass
|
$360
|
$400
|
$400
|