Edgartown leaders had no control over the paving project that caused a massive traffic backup on upper Main street last week, town administrator Pamela Dolby told the selectmen yesterday. In fact, no one in town even knew there would be a project until the police department received a call from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation the day before construction started.
“I want to make it very clear to the citizens of Edgartown that the paving that took place on upper Main street had nothing to do with Edgartown,” Ms. Dolby said. “It did not come before the board of selectmen. It came as a complete surprise to everyone.”
Nonetheless the town had to field complaints about the traffic back-ups from the early morning hours into the evening on Wednesday through Friday of last week.
“It was horrible,” said Ms. Dolby of the traffic congestion, before the meeting. “Everybody was blaming the town.”
The selectmen made no comment.
In other business yesterday, the board appointed Tony Bettencourt as acting police chief. Mr. Bettencourt will replace Paul Condlin, who has taken a leave of absence until his retirement agreement is made final on August 8.
“This town is very fortunate to have dedicated people working for us,” said selectman Arthur Smadbeck.
The selectmen also approved a request from the Atlantic Restaurant and Boathouse club at the foot of Main street to offer valet parking service on a trial basis this summer. A loading zone in front of the restaurant will be expanded for vehicles using the valet service.
The cars will be parked at a lot the restaurant currently leases at 69 North Summer street.
“I think it’s a good thing, actually,” said acting Chief Bettencourt, who said his only concern would be about cars idling when they are returned to the restaurant. “I just don’t want to see two, three, four cars sitting there . . . for 20 or 30 minutes,” he said.
“It can only help to relieve any traffic problems,” added highway superintendent Stuart Fuller.
The service will be available to customers and club members from 2 to 11:30 p.m. daily.
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