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Castine Selectboard closes hearing on proposed traffic ordinance amendments after public questions on dock and Pleasant Street parking
Summary
The Castine Selectboard held a public hearing on proposed Traffic Ordinance amendments on Feb. 2, 2026. Officials said changes respond to repeated long-term parking at the Town Dock and would impose a year-round 24-hour limit on Pleasant Street; the hearing closed with no vote.
The Castine Selectboard held a public hearing on proposed amendments to the town Traffic Ordinance on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at Emerson Hall. Dan Leader, Selectboard chair, opened the hearing at 4:02 p.m. and read the proposed changes, which were posted at the Town Office and on the town website.
Town Manager Derik Goodine said the amendments target locations where vehicles have been left for extended periods. "Vehicles have been parked for hours and sometimes for days and not moving," Goodine said, describing behavior that prompted the draft restrictions. Selectboard member Amy Gutow said she was "all set," noting Goodine had explained the proposals in work sessions.
During public comment, resident Lauri Lyman asked about timeframes for the center row at the Town Dock. Goodine said the dock was among the areas prompting the changes and explained the proposed limits aim to prevent prolonged, immobile parking that interferes with dock use.
Brock Muir asked whether the proposed 24-hour limit on Pleasant Street would apply only during winter snow events. Goodine replied the 24-hour restriction would be year-round and said the change was informed by feedback from MMA students. When asked by David Avery whether the town would revert to a longer overnight parking ban rather than relying on push notifications for storm-related restrictions, Goodine said he did not think a longer ban was needed and that the current push-notification process is working well for now.
Pete Musgrove asked whether most cars on Pleasant Street belonged to students living in MMA dorms. Goodine said the town does not have data to confirm vehicle ownership and that the town works with Maine Maritime Academy when possible but cannot determine the cars' owners.
With no further public comments, Leader closed the hearing at 4:12 p.m. The minutes record no vote or formal action on the proposed ordinance changes at that meeting; next procedural steps were not specified in the minutes. Minutes were taken by Town Clerk Susan Macomber.
The Selectboard provided copies of the draft amendments at the Town Office and on the town website for review.
