As spring finally settles in, I thought it would be a good idea to provide an update on parking at Pamet Harbor and what is happening at Ballston Beach. After the long, hard winter we had, it is nice to be thinking about launching a boat or heading to the beach!
Pamet Harbor Update
There seems to be confusion about Pamet Harbor parking, so here is a clarification of the rules and why they were adopted. The Town signed a land management agreement with the State which dictates the rules by which the harbor operates. The land management agreement is required when a Town accepts State funds for the repair and maintenance of a harbor. The Town received funding to rebuild the revetment, the ramp, and parking lot. There is work planned for this season on the docks.
The agreement does not prohibit visitors from enjoying lunch or a sunset at the harbor. It does limit the long term parking of vehicles to mooring and float holders, trucks and trailers, and to "over-the-top" carriers (kayaks, etc.) What that means is that long-term parking is prohibited for Charter boat customers, guests of float/mooring holders, and guests of boaters using the ramp. The Harbormaster has the discretion to allow short-term parking and will do so.
While this is onerous to some, it has allowed the Town to have a functioning harbor with reduced use of local funds; and it is consistent with harbors on the Cape and throughout the Commonwealth.
Ballston Beach Update
There have been several requests for an update on Ballston Beach. The Center for Coastal Studies is engaged to help the Town determine the best course of action for Ballston Beach. The study will be completed by the end of the year. In the meantime, to accommodate opening the beach for the summer, the Conservation Commission gave DPW a permit to remove the sand from the parking lot but not from the property, hence the very large pile of sand at the end of the parking lot. When clearing the sand, staff created access to the beach from the parking lot. Unfortunately, another overwash recently filled the parking lot with water. That water took almost two weeks to dissipate fully. DPW staff, in consultation with the Conservation Agent and staff from the Center for Costal Studies, closed the access to the beach from the parking lot. Visitors to Ballston will have beach access through the original beach entrance between the two houses, to the right of the parking lot.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any comments to share or questions.
Happy Spring!
Rae Ann Palmer
Town Administrator
rpalmer@truro-ma.gov
(508) 349-7004, ext 11