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Residents urge enforcement on North Common for parking, dogs and vandalism
Summary
A resident urged the board to increase enforcement at the North Common after repeated vandalism, dog-waste and persistent commercial vehicle parking that limits spaces for playground and soccer users; selectmen discussed bylaws and police presence as possible responses.
During public comment May 20, a resident asked the Board of Selectmen to address ongoing problems at the North Common, including vandalism, dogs in the playground area and commercial vehicles occupying designated parking.
The resident, who spoke at length during public comment, said signage prohibiting dogs and restricting parking for playground users is being ignored and that two commercial vehicles regularly occupy spaces overnight, limiting availability when soccer games or playground use draw larger crowds. “People don't pay attention to the signs…there's at least 2 commercial vehicles that have been there consistently parking and it seems to me they get there about 04:00 and they've taken up spaces,” the resident said.
Board members and other speakers discussed enforcement options. One selectman noted a town bylaw exists that prohibits alcohol in the common and carries a $300 fine; town staff indicated that instituting ticketing or parking-fee enforcement would require a bylaw or a town policy if one is not already on the books. The resident suggested occasional police presence to check parking and address public‑safety concerns; a board member recommended talking with the police chief about stepped-up patrols during peak use times.
No formal action was taken at the meeting; selectmen encouraged the resident to work with the police chief and town staff to explore enforcement steps and said they would consider signage and periodic patrols to address the issues.
