To the editor:

It was a bit ironic that the front-page article on the June 22 edition of the Times applauded the expanded shoreline access law recently passed by the State of Rhode Island (“Bill clarifying public shoreline access clears Assembly”), and was followed on page 3 with an article about a new Portsmouth law that will serve to limit access to the shoreline (“Town to put the brakes on problematic parking areas”).

While I agree that concerns about safety and road access are valid, I urge the DPW to be thoughtful in the scope and placement of any parking ban on Anthony Road, and elsewhere. There should be options for those who wish to go to the beach to park at the end of Anthony Road. Common courtesy suggests that you don’t park in front of someone’s driveway. 

But how does that rule get applied when residents pave almost the entire width of their front yard, leaving no space for a courteous visitor to park? Additionally, whatever rules are put in place should apply to everyone equally. I note that J. Mark Ryan noted that “the town would need to be flexible to accommodate people who are visiting family.” Why would we give parking privileges to those visiting family but not to those visiting the beach? 

The Town of Portsmouth has done excellent work over the years making sure that we have sufficient public rights of way to the shore, and that they are all clearly marked. Let’s not be one of those towns that put “No Parking” signs alongside the “Shoreline Public Access” signs. That’s just unkind.

Margaret Watkins

28 Berkley Ave.

Portsmouth