The Old Harbor Task Force gave a report to the Town Council on December 6 and presented a host of problems and solutions for the downtown area. Chair Margie Comings was available to answer any questions of the council, which had received the written report in the meeting packet, but there were not many questions asked.In the written report, the OHTF applauded the steps taken by Police Chief Matt Moynihan to deal with traffic issues by directing traffic when boats arrive and having additional Community Service Officers on-hand to assist residents and visitors. The OHTF suggests codifying these duties and responsibilities to ensure the “increase in civility and in better-behaving tourists” continues. The OHTF said in its report it is prepared to “pay what it costs” by “funding these needed changes in the operating budget.”
To help with traffic congestion, the OHTF suggests increasing the cost of the ferry’s car rate. “It is currently cheaper to bring a car over to the island than to leave it parked in Point Judith for a few days,” the report said. Seasonal fluctuations in car pricing á la Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket were suggested, although the OHTF also wrote changes “must
