It Will Soon Cost More For Most People to Visit a Popular Maine Beach

According to an article on the WGME website, the new parking sticker fees at York Beach officially took effect Wednesday.

Back in February, the York Select Board approved a hike in resident beach parking stickers, raising the price from $40 to $60, a 50 percent increase.

The board also doubled the cost for non-resident property owners, increasing those stickers from $40 to $80.

Seniors will also see a bump, with fees rising from $20 to $30.

Last year, the town issued more than 10,000 stickers, with some households purchasing multiple passes.  Town officials say the higher fees are intended to generate additional revenue to cover expenses and help ease the burden on local property taxes.

York Town Manager Peter Joseph explained that each parking permit purchase directly offsets the tax rate, noting that buyers can decide for themselves whether the cost provides enough value.

Permit parking is in effect from April 15th to November 15th.  It is important to remember that you do not need to have a parking pass. If you only occasionally visit the beach, you can continue to use the parking meters.

Still, not everyone is on board.  Some residents, especially seasonal homeowners, are pushing back against the increases.

A petition is now circulating that calls for reversing the decision and allowing voters to weigh in on any future price hikes. Supporters hope to get the issue on the ballot this fall.

York resident Bridjet Ely said she’s frustrated by the rising costs, questioning why taxes continue to increase while access to public spaces is also becoming more expensive.

Joseph emphasized that the beach parking sticker is optional and only requires a one-time payment.  He added that it may be a worthwhile option for frequent beachgoers, while those who visit less often can continue to use metered parking instead.