Loud beach goers, vandalism upset Atlantic Ave residents
Thursday, August 4, 2005
Twenty-three Westport Harbor residents, represented by Atlantic Avenue resident Gil Peixoto, aired a long list of complaints before selectmen on July 25, describing boorish behavior and illegal acts perpetrated by beach goers. They complainted about teenage drinking, loud all-night parties, illegal parking, dune buggies riding roughshod over plover habitats, and trash and human waste.
Some residents of Beach Avenue, Atlantic Avenue, Shore Road and Boathouse Row said they have experienced vandalism on their properties as well.
The petitioners asked Police Chief Keith Pelletier for a consistent police presence to tag and tow cars illegally parked and to consider blocking vehicular access to Beach Road.
Chief Pelletier said he was hampered by being short of manpower with budget cuts reducing the force by five positions. "There are only three cars on the road for a 50-square-mile town during the weekend," Chief Pelletier said. He added, "We just got a Community Policing Grant this week, which will pay for more officers during the summer months."
While acknowledging how thin his force is spread, Chief Pelletier promised more police presence going forward.
Selectmen asked the residents to keep calling when they witness the incivility and the parking violations. Chairwoman Elizabeth Collins urged voters to support increased funding for the police department at next year's Town Meeting to help address this problem next summer.
BY PAUL TAMBURELLO
http://www.eastbayri.com/print/308471695977148.php
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