Wharf rats

CAMDEN, Maine — The good old days are over for sailboat owners in a busy Maine -harbor parking lot.

“Trust us guys, we’re going to work with you,” was the word from selectboard Chairman Bob Falciani after a vote to revoke day-sailor owner parking permits on the public landing.

The vote was 4 to 1 to revoke one space allotted to each daysail business owner, while assigning permit parking in the town-owned lot at Knox Mill.

The parking spaces are granted for a fee in the current day-sail licenses.

But town officials said sailors have been abusing the privilege, parking their cars in the busy lot even when their boats are not taking on passengers.

The gravy train has also left the station for owners of several Main Street buildings, who are also now without parking spaces.

The property owners claimed they needed the spaces to unload stuff into their buildings.

Selectmen weren't buying their excuses either.

- Camden Herald