Half of Route 125 will get 'no parking' signs

CHAUMONT — The parking ban on County Route 125, a popular parking spot for ice fishermen on Point Salubrious, will be enforced only along the western half of the peninsula this winter.

The town of Lyme decided Wednesday to place "no parking" signs along 3.5 miles of the roughly 6.5-mile road because the cost to purchase and place the signs along the entire route would cost too much.

Town Highway Superintendent Patrick D. Weston said the town will have to spend $13,500 to place signs along the whole route. It will cost the town $7,500 to place signs along 3.5 miles of the road.

The Lyme Town Council passed a law in October to ban all parking along Route 125 from Nov. 1 to May 1.

"Since we made the resolution to close Point Salubrious, we have the responsibility to place and purchase the signs," said Supervisor Scott G. Aubertine.

Under the town's plan, the first mile of the road near Sawmill Bay and the last two miles will lack "no parking" signs — which would allow people to park in those areas as the town cannot enforce the law where there are no signs.

Mr. Aubertine said the plan covers the most problematic areas.

"I think that would be enough," he said, adding that the town could place more signs in the future if needed.

Councilman Warren A. Johnson disagreed with Mr. Aubertine, arguing that the town is merely shifting the parking problem from one area to another.

"Let's do it right the first time," he said. "It's a public safety issue."

The parking ban was recommended last winter by former Highway Superintendent Thomas H. Parker, who argued that the road was too narrow for emergency vehicles and plows to maneuver.

To alleviate the parking shortage, the town is currently working with Geordie H. Magee, owner of the Chaumont Yacht Club, to build a parking lot near the lake, which could fit up to 100 cars. Mr. Magee has offered free use of his private property on Main Street in the village of Chaumont that has access to the lake.

Anglers also may park at the Chaumont Bay boat launch, the Guffin Bay Resort & Marina or the village beach on Bay View Drive.