With the recent closure of the Thames Street lot on the waterfront in Portland, islanders in need of ferry access are being  forced to vie for the remaining handful of parking spots on nearby streets. Our day-to-day lives are being severely disrupted after the loss of the 250 spaces available in that lot. It's becoming increasingly common to see islanders’ cars towed or ticketed, adding unnecessary stress to an already challenging situation.

This parking shortage means that basic tasks, like bringing groceries home, have become daunting and exhausting. It also affects our ability to work, attend school and medical appointments, and engage in all activities that make daily life possible.

While it's commendable that the city is creating a new public park, it should not be at the cost of islanders' mobility and livelihoods. And it should not be at the cost of residents on the East End either, whose ability to park near their homes will be reduced as islanders look to those streets for relief. For many of us, paying for private parking garages is not an option. The exorbitant costs are out of reach, and even then, there aren't enough spaces to meet demand. 

We call upon the city of Portland to address this pressing issue. Immediate action is needed to find a parking solution for islanders. This could include creating dedicated parking spaces for island residents, closing off overnight parking to non-island residents (like they do for locals in Boston), or even creating a temporary parking area closer to the ferry terminal.

Portland's charm and natural beauty should be accessible to all its residents, not just those who can afford costly parking options. Let’s work toward a solution where islanders are not penalized simply for needing to park.

Please sign this petition and help us urge city officials to quickly implement a fair and practical solution. We need your support to reclaim access to the city we love.