MASHPEE – Faced with declining spots in the only beach parking lot owned by the town, Mashpee selectmen have voted not to increase beach parking stickers at this time.
Earlier in the year, Recreation Director Mary Bradbury sought a $5 hike for resident stickers.
“That increase is reflected in both non-resident and resident beach stickers by $5, you can see we still operate at a deficit,” said Bradbury.
But during their recent meeting, selectmen rejected the idea, with many saying it wasn’t fair to increase fees when many people may get locked of the lot on busy summer days.
Town officials estimated that just over 70 spots are available at the town lot, which is facing serious erosion threats.
Selectman Carol Sherman said that with a limited number of spots, it just wasn’t right to increase fees…
“Offering 76 spots and two ponds to enjoy for the summer, and we sell 3,335 stickers, where are we going to put all these people if they decide to go to the beach on the weekend?” she asked.
The vote against the increase was 4 to 1.
Selectmen Andrew Gottlieb said it was possible to lot could eventually be lost completely in a major storm.
The other parking lot for South Cape Beach is owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bradbury previously told selectmen that increasing the fees would help reduce their $71,000 deficit for yearly beach costs.
With the minimum wage increasing, the beach payroll is expected to increase.
Just over 3,500 resident beach stickers last year at $30 each.
The total receipts for beach stickers was $114,000.
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