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Chamber of Commerce asks Charlestown for $18,000 for parade, tourism center and Gateway Islands upkeep
Summary
The Charlestown Chamber told the council it needs town help to fund the Memorial Day parade, continue a weekend tourist information center and maintain the Gateway Islands median plantings; the chamber sought about $18,000 total.
The Charlestown Chamber of Commerce asked the Town Council for town assistance to support three ongoing community efforts: the Memorial Day parade, a weekend tourist information center and maintenance of the Gateway Islands median plantings.
Mister Paglia, who identified himself as the Charlestown Chamber executive director, told the council the parade — set for May 25 — requires municipal help because donations cover roughly half the cost for bands, flags and poles. “We did. 85 flags. So, again, I'm asking that, out for that this year. ... It's on May 25 this year,” Paglia said.
He said the chamber runs a weekend tourist information table from Memorial Day through Labor Day and requested continued town support for the staffing that keeps the visitor center open on weekends. He also said the chamber has maintained the Gateway Islands (median plantings) since 2002, describing annual maintenance costs that can increase in mulching years and estimating the islands’ upkeep can run into the multiple thousands of dollars.
Paglia asked the council for roughly $18,000 in assistance to cover both the islands and chamber operations in total, describing a proposed split of about $14,000 for the islands and $4,000 for chamber needs. He told the council the chamber has tried business sponsorships but has not been able to raise enough private support in recent years.
Council discussion included practical suggestions: one speaker recommended the chamber keep a separate account and itemized records for Gateway spending so the town can see how funds are used; the chamber confirmed the state’s Adopt‑a‑Spot program lists the islands and warned that if the town does not support maintenance, the state would likely mow the medians and remove plantings.
No funding decision was made at the meeting. Chamber representatives said they will provide financial details if the council requests them; a councilor urged the chamber to re‑approach businesses and consider signage co‑branding with the town.
