Parking Fee Imposed At Portland Head Light Park

CAPE ELIZABETH, Maine - The waterfront park that's home to Maine's oldest and most-photographed lighthouse will remain free to visitors - but not for their cars. The Cape Elizabeth Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to charge for parking at Fort Williams Park, home to the Portland Head Light.
 
About 1 million people visit the 90-acre park each year to see the lighthouse commissioned by George Washington. It was completed in 1791.
 
Town officials said paid parking could generate $300,000 in revenue.
 
Under the proposal, parking fees of $2 per hour for a two-hour minimum or $10 for a full day will begin in July under a pay-and-display system. The fees will be collected between May 1 and Nov. 1. Cape Elizabeth residents will park for free.