Parking Fee Imposed at Portland Head Light Park

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Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio

CAPE ELIZABETH, Maine (AP) 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.

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