ROCKLAND — As some pandemic restrictions ease up – and others stay the same – the City of Rockland looks ahead to some street traffic variations, some sign replacements, and some fun in the post-Bicentennial sun. The following were mentioned during the May 10, 2021 Rockland City Council meeting.

From May 28 to October 31, the following downtown sidestreets will have altered traffic flow:

Myrtle Street will again close to traffic for the sake of outdoor dining at the Myrtle Street Tavern. Hills Seafood and Walgreens have both been apprised of the request and have not expressed any opposition, according to Tom Luttrell.

Winter Street will be one-way, going from Main Street toward the ocean. With its wider sidewalks and recesses along the current 1.5 lanes, the street is already designed to be inconvenient to vehicles, according Councilor Ben Dorr. The concern that lingers is whether the new one-way convenience will accelerate speed for those drivers passing through.

The road is already wide enough for the fire department’s ladder truck, which tested the route and its turning points, according to Luttrell.

Making the street one-way allowed for an increase in seating along the stretch, according to Dave Gogel, of Rockland Main Street, Inc. ADA-compliance is required in regards to the sidewalk tables along the street. Small bistro-style tables with two chairs each would still provide pedestrian passage.

Summer Solstice

The annual Summer Solstice party is turning to a later weekend to allow organizers of Juneteenth the use of the June 19 weekend, according to Gogel. Summer Solstice is now planned for June 26, in Harbor Park, if approved by the Harbor Management Commission. Organizers are considering a free drive-in style concert.

The lineup will include three bands of different genres that will play start performing at 1 p.m., and finish up around 5 p.m. 

Bicentennial celebration

Council has waived the fee waiver for the proposed Friday, July 2 Bicentennial bash, spearheaded by Dan Bookham, that was postponed from last summer. In its stead will be a pared-down to an agenda of concerts, vessel watching, and a birthday recognition to 150 years of the windjammers Stephen Tabor and Lewis R. French.

The Harbor Management Commission came to a consensus that the fee ought to be waived. However, without a quorum, due to a lack of participation on the HMC – and many of the other Rockland committees – no official vote could be made.

“Me, as a councilor,” said Louise MacLellan-Ruf, “what I want to make sure of is, that the fire/police/bathrooms – any of those other things that come with a large event – are not absorbed into the City.”

The Bicentennial committee has gotten fee waivers for the park and the schooners.

“I would like to see them absorb some of those additional costs,” she said.

In response, Bicentennial member Glaser acknowledged that current plans involve six Porta Potties paid for by the event. Glaser believes that a series of volunteers will assist with the event and crowd control.

“I don’t believe that there will be large crowds,” he said. “One of the problems with an event like this during a COVID time is, something that’s designed to attract folks to town, you are also trying to keep the crowds from being too attractive. And making sure people have space, and everybody wears masks.”

Glaser said the police will be asked to keep an eye on the event, but he stated a disbelief that major costs will be associated with the policing.