Portsmouth Town Administrator Richard Rainer appeared before the Bristol Town Council on Wednesday, Feb. 26 to request the creation of an “interlocal cooperation commission” between the two towns, for the purpose of trying to find a solution to the lack of ferry-adjacent long-term parking for Prudence Island residents.

“The Portsmouth council agreed to create a structured forum for dialogue between our communities so that we can discuss what the next step would be if it's appropriate,” said Rainer. “Our intention is not to dictate policy to Bristol or interfere with your community's municipal affairs, but rather just to facilitate a discussion at the request of Prudence Island that may lead to ideas or opportunities that benefit all stakeholders involved.”

Rainer noted that the ferry is a lifeline service for Prudence Island residents, but acknowledged that parking near the ferry landing has become a matter of increasing concern.

“This is a really complex issue that we've been all dealing with for quite a number of years now, and one that we feel involves municipal regulations, private property considerations, and broader community interests,” Rainer continued. “So that's precisely why….bringing together the right stakeholders to form a commission that would open up dialogue to discuss this issue with the town of Bristol, the town of Portsmouth, the ferry operators, and any other stakeholders as appropriate, in a forum that could possibly generate ideas that might not have been considered in the past.”

“I’m definitely in support of….resolving this parking issue,” said Councilor Tim Sweeney, asking who would serve on the commission. For Portsmouth, it would include Rainer, the town planner, DPW director, the police chief, and the council president.

It was agreed the Bristol would mirror that makeup, with the addition of the harbormaster and the director of community development.
“I think all of this sounds right and appropriate,” said Council Chairman Nathan Calouro. “Obviously, we're happy to sit at the table and have a discussion about it.”

In response to a question from Sweeney about a timeline, Rainer left it open-ended. “No, there's no time constraint, because we don't even know what the ideas are going to be,” he said. “We've discussed many things over a number of years. I'm sure we'll re-discuss those issues. And hopefully, this group can come up with some new ideas.”

New ordinance may have limited impact on the problem

At the beginning of the same meeting, the Council held a second reading of a proposed ordinance amending the town code, chapter 8, Boats, Docks, and Waterways.

Sec. 8-76, Off-Season Parking at Marina Ferry Dock, will be amended to permit off-season (Dec. 1-March 31) parking at the Marina Ferry Dock. Proof of Prudence Island residency and a $150/month fee will get you a spot for one vehicle. During periods where parking at the Marina is banned due to snow, permit holders may be relocated to the public parking lot at Church St and Thames St.

“I think this is great, it really carves out some parameters in regards to addressing the off season parking at the marina dock, the Prudence Island ferry parking, which we really needed to address,” said Sweeney.
The fact remains that creative solutions will need to be found for the other 8 months of the year, if Prudence Islanders are to have real, long-term relief from this inconvenience.