Residents urge borough to act on roadside campers, Herring Cove restrooms and a proposed sales‑tax cap hike
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Summary
Three residents used public comment to press the borough: Barbara Bigelow urged action on long‑term campers in state rights‑of‑way; Mary Stevenson urged prioritizing restrooms and parking at Herring Cove ahead of summer tourism; Janie Henderson questioned a reported proposal to raise the sales‑tax cap from $2,000 to $6,000 and warned of local affordability impacts.
Public comments during the Feb. 9 meeting highlighted three community concerns: long‑term camping in state rights‑of‑way, lack of restroom and parking infrastructure at Herring Cove, and possible changes to the borough’s sales‑tax cap.
Barbara Bigelow told the assembly she has documented camped vans and motorhomes living in state rights‑of‑way and urged borough and state action. "This camper has probably been frequenting since 2024," Bigelow said, adding that while some campers keep their sites tidy, obstructions and vehicles left on blocks create hazards. She thanked borough staff (she cited Peter Amelon) for follow‑up but urged the installation of DOT 'no overnight camping' signage and consistent enforcement.
Mary Stevenson said Herring Cove is the borough’s top destination and reported visitor numbers that, she said, exceeded 60,000 visitors in 2025. She described only three portable restrooms — all on private property — and said visitors were forced to relieve themselves on private property during peak season. "We have to have bathrooms here," Stevenson told the assembly, urging the borough to prioritize restroom and parking improvements in the neighborhood planning process.
Janie Henderson said media reports suggested the borough might raise the sales‑tax cap from $2,000 to $6,000 and urged caution. Henderson, a lifelong resident, said the borough needs stable fiscal policy but warned that a 200% increase could raise red flags for affordability and discourage independent travelers from longer stays. She asked the assembly to consider existing and new revenue streams and urged careful review before any cap change.
What the borough said: staff and elected officials acknowledged the concerns. The mayor and staff noted limitations where roads are state‑owned (Powerhouse Road), and staff said they have discussed the issues with state officials. On restrooms and parking, assembly members said neighborhood planning and comprehensive plan alignment are next steps; on the camper issue, members discussed pursuing DOT signage and code enforcement as appropriate.