Edgartown selectmen heard complaints this week from a North Water street resident about traffic from the Chappaquiddick Ferry blocking his driveway.
Dudley Cannada told the selectmen on Monday this summer’s line is worse than in years past, and in some cases he has had to wait up to 15 minutes to be able to exit his driveway.
Mr. Cannada owns 44 and 50 North Water street with access to Simpson’s Lane, where the line forms when it extends beyond Daggett street.
“It’s a problem this year that hasn’t been in the past,” Mr. Cannada said. “When I asked officers to police the line they said they don’t have the personnel they used to have. I’d love for the line to go away but really I’m here to ask if we can have some help in policing the line.”
Mr. Cannada also complained of large trucks hugging the middle of the road so there was no way for cars not waiting in line to drive down the street.
Highway superintendent Stuart Fuller said curb cuts at the foot of driveways would significantly reduce parking for the line. Police chief Antone Bettencourt said officers are added to the detail as the line gets longer, about one traffic cop per block.
“I can’t plan when a ferry’s going to back up, and [the traffic officers] tell me they do best they can,” Mr. Bettencourt said. “As far as wider cars, I don’t know how we’d ever regulate that and stop them from getting in line.”
The selectmen asked both Mr. Bettencourt and Mr. Fuller to look into new signs directing people not to block driveways.
“I think it’s something you have to accept about the wonderful charm and character of being in the village,” selectman Michael Donaroma said.
In other business, selectmen denied a request from Great Harbor Gourmet on Main street to open a few hours a week. The liquor store was supposed to open Memorial Day weekend and did not; in mid-July selectmen allowed a third delayed opening for August 8, but the store still did not open.
“We have worked with this and tried to work with them on the opening and now they want to be open for an hour and a half three days a week?” selectman Margaret Serpa said. “I move we not accept the proposal and go forward with the hearing to cancel the license.”
The selectmen have set a public hearing for August 22 to consider canceling the liquor license. The business is owned by Ben Hall Jr. Reached yesterday by telephone, Mr. Hall had no comment.
Selectmen also signed warning letters to six alcohol-serving establishments which police cited for underage drinking in July.
Al’s Package Store, Sophia’s Market, the Wharf Pub, Sharky’s, the Newes from America pub and Henry’s bar at the Harbor View Hotel failed compliance checks during an underage alcohol enforcement operation.
Town administrator Pamela Dolby said all the establishments have been working with the police department and been extremely cooperative.
“It was a wake-up call for everybody,” Mrs. Dolby said.
This was the second citation for the Harbor View Hotel; selectmen said another violation would result in reporting to the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission.
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