May 30, 2008

Last Monday, the Memorial Day beachniks crammed the shores of South Boston and Castle Island.  It was so crowded that the State Police closed the gate at the Castle Island segment of Day Boulevard.

Actually, there was a certain resemblance to the Riviera and the Gold Coast.  Even though Fort Independence doesn’t resemble a gambling casino all that closely, it does bear a certain similarity to the Principality of Monaco.  All it needs is Grace Kelly posing on the parapet.  Alas, around here only the seagulls go topless.

South Boston Online is delighted to see the popularity of our surroundings – something we can enjoy any time and any day of the week.  But as you may have guessed, we have a few questions and comments.  Don’t we always?

It appears that the gas crisis, along with inflation and the weakness of the dollar, will keep a lot of people home this year.  None of these problems will go away before year-end, so it’s likely South Boston’s beaches will be crowded all summer long, especially on weekends and holidays.

So let’s reserve a certain (large) number of parking slots for South Boston residents only.  In addition, perhaps it’s time to consider a modest parking fee for using the lots along the beach.  This has been brought up before, but basically, it’s Commonwealth of Massachusetts territory, so it can’t be done automatically.  Even so, we think it’s fair to charge visitors for the inevitable wear, tear, and expenses that beach crowds cause.  Trash collection costs alone, as well as the increased need for more frequent beach grooming, add up over the summer.  No charge for South Boston vehicles with a valid parking sticker.

The crowds are such that the “T” would be well advised to see if they can provide more passenger service on beach days.  It could be a money-maker for the #9, 10, and 11 buses, to say nothing of the Red Line.  No matter what the “T” costs (or the parking fees, for that matter), it has to be much cheaper than driving to the Cape at $4 a gallon.  Saving fuel might even bring down gas prices rather sharply because, in the jargon of economics and economists, “prices are set on the margin”.

South Boston merchants, businesses, and restaurants, take notice!  If crowds are coming to South Boston beaches, are you getting your share of the action?  The Memorial Day beachniks came from all over Eastern Massachusetts and many points beyond.  Why?  Because our shores offer a one-of-a-kind combination of long, well-kept beaches; extensive grassy areas, with marvelous ocean views; playgrounds for the kids; tours of the Fort; and fishing.  And, they’ll be back.

Figure out a way to attract these visitors to your establishments.  Leafleting autos can be messy, but it works, because it gives out-of-towners a takeaway.  Next time, maybe they’ll come by instead of bringing a picnic basket.  If leafleting is unacceptable, simply leave your business card under the windshield wiper. 

How about putting in a planter or some playground equipment on Castle Island with your establishment’s name on it?  Or donating an improvement to the Fort?  Or “adopting” a section of the beach by placing (and emptying) a marked trash barrel there.  Or giving away inexpensive fishing lures on the McCorkle Pier?  Or a redeemable coupon for your business? 

And where else but here can a visitor buy Southie apparel and keepsakes?  The answer is nowhere else - only in America’s hometown, of course.  But first, you’ll have to get visitors to drive up Broadway on the way to the beach or on the way back home. 

It can be done.

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