Edgartown changes parking limits on request from library

The loss of the small library parking lot has created a parking crunch for staff and patrons.

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Edgartown selectmen signed off on a change in parking regulations for three spaces in front of the library. Photo by Steve Myrick.

Edgartown selectmen Monday approved a request from the Edgartown Public Library to change street-parking regulations in front of the North Water Street building to make up for the loss of an adjacent parking lot.

The purchase of the Captain Warren House by a private bidder included the small rear parking lot, which served as parking for staff and library patrons, and it is no longer available for public parking.

Currently, there is one parking space for the disabled, and two spaces with two-hour time limits on North Water Street directly in front of the library.

Selectmen voted to reserve a second space for disabled drivers, to accommodate both library staff and visitors. The third space will be converted to a 15-minute time limit.

“Enforcement is always going to be an issue, we know that,” said Jack Collins, interim police chief. “It would send a message that this is a drop-off, pick-up spot. We’re working together, it makes a lot of sense; so far we don’t see any problem at all.”

Selectmen Margaret Serpa and Michael Donaroma voted in favor of the change. Chairman Art Smadbeck did not attend the meeting.

“It sounds good, especially since this is going to be the last year,” Mr. Donaroma said, referring to the anticipated opening of the new library near the Edgartown School later this year.

Also Monday, selectmen approved a change in the liquor license at Lure, the restaurant at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Edgartown. The change will allow the restaurant to serve alcohol on its outdoor deck and pool area. Currently the license allows diners to consume alcohol on the deck and pool area, but the restaurant cannot offer service outside. “It’s very irritating; people don’t understand why they have to go inside to purchase drinks,” said Mark Snider, co-owner of the resort.

Because the resort operates under a special zoning permit, the change also requires approval of the planning board.

Mr. Snider also told selectmen the restaurant will change back to its original name, Dunes, this summer. “We’re going back to the future,” he said.

In other business, selectmen approved plans to hold the third annual Martha’s Vineyard Wine Fest, May 7 through 10. The festival includes tastings and dinners at several Edgartown restaurants.

They also approved the recommendation of Fire Chief Peter Shemeth, to hire Kate Conde as a full-time paramedic to fill a staff vacancy.