The state-run parking lot, as well as parking in general in the Point Judith area is in need of desperate policy reform.  The system is flawed and it comes down to money and greed monopolizing a very needed resource …. Parking your car. 

Passes for State Lot G are oversold, out of state plates are charged more, but are not limited, spots are not guaranteed and zero purpose is needed to buy this affordable pass, which is your only long term option for parking if you live, work or commute regularly to Block Island.  Instead, it’s a free for all, hours wasting, rage fueling wait and in hopes you get a spot before your boat leaves.  If not?  Too bad.  

The bigger issue(s)?  Day passes are sold for the lot at $10 a day, making it the cheapest lot on the weekends, leaving people who paid for a plaque stranded or waiting for hours.  Passes should not be sold on weekends, especially during peak traveling times/days.  

The attendants love to gaslight you for their self made issues.  They claim to save spots and tell you you could’ve skipped the line since you have a pass - but have no problem taking cash from people ahead of you in line for very limited spots because they beat you to it.  Only to be told by the attendant “that’s too bad” if you miss out on spots even when you have a permit.  So the big question is, why did I have to apply for the permit, when cash is king? Also where is the cash going and how many spots per week are cash paid spots, taking away spots for permit holders? 

Residents, commuters and employees of the island need a place to park, that is not only affordable, but available, and these spaces should not be sold to tourists, day trippers to the beach or people who are not in need of long term parking.  State Lot G would have more than enough space if passes were sold to people who “actually” need it. 

Given this is a state run entity, we deserve to know where the money for permits, especially all the cash for day passes, is being allocated for.  The lot is overgrown, constantly flooded, full of holes, barely lit, and there is a desperate need for some semblance of organization.  Without any attempt at spot lines, double parking is a constant problem to no fault of the driver most times.  I was also recently told “just take a handicap spot.”  I keep leading back to the major question, why is DEM profiting off a parking lot? 

Other solutions so far are - a massive waitlist for a privately owned spot costing around $500 a season/year.  Paying per day to park in a private lot, with inflated prices on the weekends, also a first come first serve, Parking on the street with a maximum of four hours - which is an insulting amount of time.  So what happens when there’s nothing left? 

Four hour street parking needs to be revised - given if you’re traveling to the island, 2 hours of your time is spent on the boat - the only solution is a parking ticket.  Why isn’t there a metered parking system? Why is the escape road also 4 hours? It is the furthest away and also a great use of space for all day parking.  This could be an affordable, if not FREE solution to the day-tripper influx.  Competition for parking space is also hindered by restaurants, fishing employment and beaches in the area. 

Tourists to the island grow each and every year, yet ZERO effort for improvement has been made for parking or transportation.  Shuttle services could be offered, Uber and ride share pickup and drop off spots could be made.  People shouldn’t be gouged in their wallets just because there is zero options past “lot full.”  If DEM is in charge, why is absolutely NOTHING being done to fix a growing issue.  Instead - the blame is passed on to us, the ungrateful for even thinking of complaining. 

By signing this petition you agree that there are actions that should be taken to fix problems that exist.  People who are in need of parking should be heard and a compromise should be made with their best interest in mind, not by Rhode Island DEM, Private Lots or the Town of Narragansett telling you this is how it should be because it affects their bottom dollar.

State Lot G is a cash grab for permits, and a cash grab at the gate.  The town of Narragansett is also reaping the rewards of the overflow on the street.  Profiting on parking your car when there is no other option should be unjust, especially by a state run entities.  If money is going to be charged by a state entity, that money should be going back to state services, plain and simple. 

Enough is Enough.