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Board weighs towing and ticketing to ease overcrowding at Long Lake boat launch
Summary
Board members discussed options to address chronic overcrowding at the Long Lake boat launch including sheriff ticketing, private towing patrols, improved signage, appeals procedures and possible auxiliary parking; staff will research enforcement mechanics, fines and parking alternatives.
The Bridgton Select Board on July 9 considered several enforcement and management options to ease parking congestion at the Long Lake boat launch, a popular free ramp that attracts out‑of‑town visitors and trailer parking.
Town staff outlined two primary paths: (1) equip contracted deputies to issue local parking violations and collect fines under the town’s fee schedule (which would require ticket books and enforcement protocols), or (2) arrange a tow‑company agreement, with dedicated signage and patrols, to remove vehicles parked in trailer‑only spaces. The board also discussed improving signage and establishing an enforcement phone number for users to report violations.
Members raised practical questions about follow‑through if people ignore notices: appeals to the town appeals board, collections and court procedures were discussed. One Select Board member noted many users are nonresidents who come from nearby towns such as Bridgton or Naples to use the ramp, and asked how the town would handle enforcement when violators are not local.
Suggestions included identifying auxiliary parking (a flat property used previously for the farmers market was named as a potential option) and reviewing the parking ordinance to confirm which locations are covered. The town manager will gather additional information on fines, enforcement mechanisms and possible towing agreements before the board decides whether to begin issuing citations.
No vote was taken; the board directed staff to report back with enforcement options and parking alternatives.
