The New Bedford Parks Department in partnership with Mayor John Mitchell and the New Bedford Port Authority have decided to impose a Parking fee in 2022 of 15$ per day/ 3$ per hour at the Pope's Island Marina parking lot and adjacent playground, Noah's place. Due to the city's lack of planning or ability to maintain this playground and maintenance, they have decided to try and take money from the hard working boaters at Pope's Island in order to pay for this shortfall.  Of course in typical City of New Bedford fashion, this was decided long after all contracts had been signed and slips have been paid for.  I have been asked by city councilor Brian K. Gomes to collect signatures from Pope's island members and visitors who disagree with these new charges. He will be putting this on the city council meeting agenda for April 8th.  I need all signatures in place by this Sunday, April 3rd. Please join me and your fellow boaters in telling Mayor Mitchell, the Port Authority and the Parks Department that we already pay a ridiculous amount of money for SUB PAR amenities, non-working wifi, no pump out services as well as frankly DANGEROUS dock and electrical conditions.