Meetings Ahead
Some meetings in Provincetown are in person, some are online, and some are both. Click on the meeting you want to attend on the calendar at provincetown-ma.gov for a link to an agenda and details.
Thursday, Sept. 29
- Zoning Board of Appeals, 6 p.m., Town Hall
- Barnstable HOME Consortium, 5:30 p.m., Provincetown library
Monday, Oct. 3
- Housing Workshop: Select Board, Community Housing Council, and Year-Round Market-Rate Rental Housing Trust, 6 p.m., Town Hall
Tuesday, Oct. 4
- Economic Development Committee, 1 p.m., Town Hall
- Conservation Commission, 6 p.m., Town Hall
Wednesday, Oct. 5
- Historic District Commission, 3:30 p.m., Town Hall
Thursday, Oct. 6
- Zoning Board of Appeals, 6 p.m., Town Hall
Conversation Starter
Scooter Enforcement
The select board discussed the chaotic traffic on Commercial Street on Monday; several members had questions about the enforcement of rules for motorized scooters.
Traditional bicycles may travel both ways on Commercial Street, but all motorized vehicles — pedicabs, electric bicycles, and electric scooters — must follow traffic laws and drive only one way. People on electric scooters have flouted this rule all summer, despite the licensing board’s efforts to get the owners of the two scooter rental companies to rein in their customers.
Select board member Louise Venden asked if the traffic police were empowered to stop people and let them know the rules for scooter travel. “They are,” said Town Manager Alex Morse.
Chair Dave Abramson wanted to know if the police presence was lighter this year because of the transition away from seasonal officers, a consequence of the state’s police reform bill.
“Potentially,” said Morse. “We brought on two year-round officers in place of seasonal officers. I’d have to get a debrief from the chief to compare to previous summers to know exactly what the issue is.”
“It was definitely down,” said member John Golden. “We need more presence.”
Abramson said that scooters, pedicabs, and electric bikes were the biggest sources of complaints he received all summer. Leslie Sandberg added golf carts to the list.
“I do think over the next few months we have to explore potential regulations,” Morse said.
—Paul Benson
