This week's letters
Ordinance is a matter of safety
Editor
Recently the town adopted an ordinance to require citizens to obtain permits for yard sales. Some people see this as another form of unnecessary taxes but I would like to offer another point of view.
As a police officer I have a great concern for safety when it comes to yard sales. All too many times I have seen or heard the situation where people were so focused on the sale items that they did not pay attention to the safety hazard they create.
Think about it, how many times have you seen the cars slow down to see what is for sale, paying more attention to the sale than the road?
I have seen them stop right in the middle of the roadway or abruptly cut across oncoming traffic. The ones that do park safely have a tendency to open doors into traffic or try to cross at unsafe times or locations.
One man’s trash IS another man’s treasure, but at what price? Safety must be the primary concern at these events. We are fortunate that we have had few incidents at yard sales, but that is not to say that it won’t happen.
Traffic is increasing daily-more homes, more traffic and more yard sales equal a greater chance of incidents. With this permit requirement the permit holder will be reminded of the safety considerations such as parking and crossing areas, as well other regulations such as the law stating no posting of signs on utility poles and the requirement to clean up of signs after the event.
The police department will be made aware of the permits that are active and the Officers will be able to keep an eye on the area better for safety purposes.
In the long run, the $5 and time spent, is well worth the investment. To make it an even better investment, the town will soon be posting the weekly permits on our Web site and public access channel. Also a few of the local newspapers have graciously offered to print them when space is available. So now you not only have safety but advertising.
Please feel free to contact me with questions or safety concerns.
Officer Joe Giacomantonio
Community Resource Officer
Scarborough Police Department
Community’s help is needed
Now everyone must know of Ruth Libby, creator of the non-profit organization Ruth's Reusable Resources located on Rte. One at the old Bessey School.
It's coming down to the wire now she needs to move out June 30. She doesn't know where the move will bring her. 3R's has to raise $100,000 in the next three months. The town of Scarborough has 18,474 residents. We can all help her by donating $1.
For 13 years this organization has helped teachers and others around Maine with free items. If you have a child in school ask their teacher how important 3R's has been to them. I am asking everyone in Scarborough to step up and help. So please right now make a check out to 3R's and send it to: 3R's, 272 U.S. Rte. One, Bessey School, Scarborough, Me 04074.
Your help will be greatly appreciated. And many Thanks to all the individuals and businesses who have already donated.
Volunteer Pat Sullivan
Scarborough
Editor
Recently the town adopted an ordinance to require citizens to obtain permits for yard sales. Some people see this as another form of unnecessary taxes but I would like to offer another point of view.
As a police officer I have a great concern for safety when it comes to yard sales. All too many times I have seen or heard the situation where people were so focused on the sale items that they did not pay attention to the safety hazard they create.
Think about it, how many times have you seen the cars slow down to see what is for sale, paying more attention to the sale than the road?
I have seen them stop right in the middle of the roadway or abruptly cut across oncoming traffic. The ones that do park safely have a tendency to open doors into traffic or try to cross at unsafe times or locations.
One man’s trash IS another man’s treasure, but at what price? Safety must be the primary concern at these events. We are fortunate that we have had few incidents at yard sales, but that is not to say that it won’t happen.
Traffic is increasing daily-more homes, more traffic and more yard sales equal a greater chance of incidents. With this permit requirement the permit holder will be reminded of the safety considerations such as parking and crossing areas, as well other regulations such as the law stating no posting of signs on utility poles and the requirement to clean up of signs after the event.
The police department will be made aware of the permits that are active and the Officers will be able to keep an eye on the area better for safety purposes.
In the long run, the $5 and time spent, is well worth the investment. To make it an even better investment, the town will soon be posting the weekly permits on our Web site and public access channel. Also a few of the local newspapers have graciously offered to print them when space is available. So now you not only have safety but advertising.
Please feel free to contact me with questions or safety concerns.
Officer Joe Giacomantonio
Community Resource Officer
Scarborough Police Department
Community’s help is needed
Now everyone must know of Ruth Libby, creator of the non-profit organization Ruth's Reusable Resources located on Rte. One at the old Bessey School.
It's coming down to the wire now she needs to move out June 30. She doesn't know where the move will bring her. 3R's has to raise $100,000 in the next three months. The town of Scarborough has 18,474 residents. We can all help her by donating $1.
For 13 years this organization has helped teachers and others around Maine with free items. If you have a child in school ask their teacher how important 3R's has been to them. I am asking everyone in Scarborough to step up and help. So please right now make a check out to 3R's and send it to: 3R's, 272 U.S. Rte. One, Bessey School, Scarborough, Me 04074.
Your help will be greatly appreciated. And many Thanks to all the individuals and businesses who have already donated.
Volunteer Pat Sullivan
Scarborough
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