Thimble Islanders: “Treat Us Fairly” Over Parking, Boating Issues

BRANFORD, CT - It isn’t a new issue, that’s for sure - but those who live in the Thimble Islands are once again asking for town officials to step in and help them in the annual summer problem of congestion/traffic/boat slip access in the Stony Creek-Thimble Island area.

At the most recent Board of Selectmen meeting, Sandy Stoddard and Tracy Everson, among others, of the Thimble Island Association, addressed the selectmen on the issue.

The two said the association at a recent meeting decided it would like to town to hold a meeting with all interested parties - including Thimble Islanders, selectmen and police, fire and other officials - regarding enforcement of parking issues for cars and docking issues for boats.

Stoddard said he is about to celebrate his 71st year as a Thimble Island resident. He said “we face the same niggling problems that vex us each year. They are still there.”

Stoddard said that when Islanders try to address the problems with various town departments, “We get the run around.”

Everson reminded the selectmen that the Thimble Islanders pay a lot of taxes to the town of Branford.

She said, “Stony Creek has become a draw for tourists,” noting that there are three different tourist boats that frequent the area.

“There is little space for islanders,” she said.

Those at the meeting said that a big part of the problem is that parking and boat slip signs/times are not being enforced.

First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove said the issue is complex. “There are competing interests,” the first selectman said, noting the town want the tourism dollars but doesn’t want to inconvenience the residents of Stony Creek and Thimble Islanders.

Cosgrove said he would meet with Police Chief Kevin Halloran to discuss parking enforcement issues.

He also promised the Thimble Islanders that he would “look forward to continuing the dialogue” to try and find solutions.

Photos by Jack Kramer

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