Connecticut House Bill 5254 is short: just 9 lines long.
But if passed by the General Assembly, it could profoundly alter the look of every town beach in Connecticut.
Titled “An Act Ensuring Access To Parking Near Public Beaches And Recreational And Scenic Areas,” it says that beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023:
no municipality … that receives a (state grant for roads) shall restrict access to parking spaces or parking facilities near a public entrance to a public beach, recreational area or scenic area to visitors who are residents of such municipality.
Further, those municipalities could not “establish different parking fees for such parking spaces or parking facilities for visitors who are residents of such municipality.”
In other words: No different prices for parking for Westporters and everyone else at Compo, Old Mill or Burying Hill Beaches. First-come, first-served.
Compo Beach is quiet in winter. It may look different in summer, if House Bill 5254 becomes law.
To drive the point home, the bill’s Statement of Purpose reads: “To prohibit municipalities that receive town-aid grants for roads from restricting access to parking near public beaches and recreational and scenic areas.”
The bill was referred to the Joint Committee on Transportation on February 24 by the sponsor, the House Transportation Committee.
A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, March 7. A time and site have not yet been posted.
Click here for the full bill, and more details.