To the Biddeford voters and taxpayers, early this year, a petition was signed by a large number of voters. The petition was delivered to the council with more than enough signatures to require them to do something other than table it. At first, they maneuvered a change to the wording, which turned out to be wrong ”“ can’t do that. So the original petition went forward. Do you want parking meters in the downtown district, yes or no?
Why parking meters downtown you say? Well, the answer is simple: The council is determined to build a phase one of three parking garages. They have been advised of the fact that “parking garages” do not pay for themselves. Therefore, a revenue source has to be operated, parking meters ”“ yeah.
Phase one garage is scheduled to be built on private property in a location that is not well suited. The tax meters would supposedly help pay for the garage and offset the debt due to low returns from parking fees.
Now ask yourself a few simple questions:
Do we need to rebuild a private road to the garage? Will the council create a new department with a manager salary of $60,000 (est.) secretary, etc., garage attendants, free clothing, safety equipment, etc., like the public works personnel? Who will take care of the of the building and grounds, snow and ice, a meter maid and vehicle, new office space with equipment?
None of this material has been mentioned at any council meeting. The limited discussion seems to indicate the garage will be partly paid for with a tax already in place. All this I’ve been told is too early to discuss.
William S. Robbins, Biddeford
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