#Art    #woman owned business    #Public Parking    #government overreach    #Small Business Rights    #community support    #Environment    #parks And planning    #public art    #Public property    #green space   

It appears that either local leaders and/or local police in Falmouth Maine have put restrictions on public parking on the side of the road where there is a perfectly safe shoulder to park on. The line of sight seems to be in question when the cars are lined up and the police and residents of the area are concerned for safety.  The Barn at Smith Farm in Falmouth has been targeted by one of the local organizations whether it be the police or town council or both to restrict parking which severely impacts when events are hosted at this space. As a member of the public that has dined at this reputable establishment there is rarely overflow parking on the shoulder of Route 100 unless there is an event taking place. Generally this would never be during the week when there is higher traffic as even when bands play on some evenings it does not start until after rush hour has ended. When hosting weddings and events, imaginably you will see cars lined up for celebrations. Comparably so you will see this all over the state whenever there is a celebration or event going on anywhere. It is apparent with the temporary signage posted that this could have been resolved by restricting one side of the street from parking to allow safe shoulder parking during events. If we allow this restriction out front of this establishment then we are allowing it outside of all our small businesses. Government can not put limitations on the public when not necessary, especially when it is detrimental to our small business growth and development. Some businesses don’t have parking at all so for the overflow it seems that 80ish approximately evenings a year that this could be overlooked on at least one side of the road.

If safety in fact is the sole concern then perhaps limiting the parking to only the residential side or the establishment side and implementing signage to slow the traffic and no parking posted to corners allowing patrons line of sight to turn out and/or the 4 residences over there enough space to see further down the road for exiting their properties and/or maybe mirrors across the way that can help view both directions for those residents. 

Please sign in support of allowing parking on at least one side of route 100. There has to be a better solution than the temporary one. Allow the owner of the business the time to figure out a collaborated solution that is not jeopardizing her immediate business and let her continue out this season and in her off season she can work on a better solution with the town. This doesn’t just effect her and her business but it effects her employees who work really hard to make a living and provide the public with excellent service! They are counting on this income and they are counting on your help!