Should Soundview Drive be closed to vehicles more than once each summer?
An overwhelming number of Westporters say: Yes!
“06880” asked that question last week. The survey was sparked by the cool, leisurely, festival-like vibe that happens every year just before the fireworks. The cars and motorcycles are gone; instead, Westporters of all ages stroll, chat, meet and mingle.
So, we wondered, why not do it regularly (or semi-regularly)? And add music, perhaps a juggler or face painter or caricature artist, and maybe food trucks?
252 readers responded. 85.7% were in favor of closing the beach “for certain designated Saturdays or Sundays.” 14.3% were opposed.
Answers came from all over town. The survey did not differentiate between readers who lived near the beach — and would be most affected — and those who did not.
Those who answered “yes” were asked. “How often?”
“Occasionally (3-4 times a summer) led with 36.7%, followed by “A few (1-2 times),” 24.5%; “Every weekend in summer” (20%); “A lot (5-8)” at 12.7%, and “Not in favor” (6.1%).
Readers who were opposed to the idea were asked “why not?” They could write in their own reason.
The most frequent answer (25%) was “too much disruption and traffic.” Three respondents each said “Don’t like food trucks” and “Don’t like music on the beach.”
Other reasons (1 each) included:
- They never signed up for this — it’s a private street
- It’s a public road
- Very dangerous and inconvenient for residents; harebrained idea
- In favor, but need to be considerate of residents
- Disturbance of relative peace and quiet of a lovely weekend
- Too much disruption and traffic for the other street
- Not enough spots in beach parking lot
- More out-of-town people would use the beach
- Speeders would now choose Bradley Street
- Possible costs to the town (police?)
- Opens the door to commercialism; would ruin the peace of the beach.
The most popular name suggested (63.5%) was “Soundview Summer.”
With so many people in favor — but with very valid opposition — the next steps are:
- Devising a plan to propose to town officials and area residents
- Addressing concerns raised.
If you’re interested in being part of this group, please email 06880blog@gmail.com.
Party on!
Peacefully, of course.
The view from a Soundview Drive home, on fireworks day. Odds are without pyrotechnics, crowds would be smaller. (Photo/Dan Woog)