An interesting article in the Providence Journal online edition: http://www.projo.com/news/content/beach_fees_03-30-11_KIN8NSN_v27.1bd2375.html
This article is very well written. Projo usually publishes in this manner and I always finish their articles. Plus, I found the fee table and statistics very informative.
What will get everyone involved is the fact that a person can see that the cost would become more than I think people will accept. Phase in a rate increase gradually over several years, but to double the rate all at once seems to be the last thing the residents of Rhode Island expected. I am keeping up with other forums/blogs and this seems to be the main concensus.
Hey Rachele, I think this is a very good topic you chose. I live in Indiana and Lake Michigan is right by where I live. You have to pay to get to the beach, but there are some beaches that I have discovered that I can get into for free. Do they have beaches like that in Rhode Island? I can see with the rising costs of beach fee's, people will choose to try to find beaches that they don't have to pay at. If this happens nobody will be going to the public beaches so they won't be making any money. People aren't going to want to pay double the price they already have too. What is the actual reason for raising the price?
ReplyDeleteIn Rhode Island, the public is allowed access to all beaches below the mean high water mark. The catch is: you have to park and/or get there over area that is not open to the public. So beach fees are charged. The State of Rhode Island is in a financial crisis because of decreased revenue and increased spending. All fees that are imposed by the state seem to be doubling this year. The island I live on does not charge for parking or access, but you have to pay the ferry for the trip over. Plus, you would have to pay the parking lot on the mainland to leave your car. Very expensive all the way around.
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