Merle Taylor writes-
Hi Joey
My husband and I vacation in Gloucester in the summer. We’ve been renting a cottage in Lanesville for weeks at a time and loving it. Your blog keeps us connected and we enjoy it daily.
I want to complain about beach parking to someone. Last summer I was denied beach parking because I’m not a resident nor was I renting for a long period of time. I recently had double knee replacement and walking to the beach is an issue. It seems that City Hall does not offer a weekly parking permit. Is that something that should be offered? I think it would bring in some revenue for the smaller beaches especially at Plum Cove.
I’m interested in finding out if I can obtain one for summer 2014 as we will be in Lanesville for four weeks. Would appreciate any help you can give me on this.
Thanks
Merle Taylor
West Chester, PA
From the City of Gloucester Website- which you can find here
http://gloucester-ma.gov/index.aspx?NID=653
You need to rent for 60 days to qualify for a seasonal renter parking sticker. They only charge $50 for a two month sticker so I’m not sure how they could charge a whole lot for a weekly sticker. In the heat of the summer the beach parking gets filled up as it is and I’m pretty sure that full time residents feel that they should get first crack at parking at their home town beach.
The City does offer very reasonable beach shuttle service and it drops you off right at the beach so you wouldn’t have to worry about walking.
Here’s the information on the FREE parking offered if you take the Beach trolley-
Plan Your Day at the Beach in Gloucester, MA
Save money and be sure to get a parking space. On weekends, June 15 through Labor Day, you can park at Stage Fort Park and take the Trolley Shuttle (see Trolley Schedule here). Parking is FREE if you take the Trolley Shuttle.
Gloucester beaches offer relaxation and enjoyment well into autumn, when you’ll often see surfers riding the waves at Good Harbor Beach in the warm September waters.
Swimming and sunbathing, surfing and shelling, Gloucester beaches fill every desire – nestled in secluded coves, white sand stretching for miles or family favorites with playgrounds and tidal pools.
In addition there is such limited parking at Plum Cove Beach it would suck for residents to get bumped out for weekly renters but if you are willing to pay for a weekly parking pass then you should be willing to pay for a taxi. Gloucester does have taxi services
Good Morning Gloucester 
Similar to what Joey said, the public busses, CATA, run past Plum Cove Beach, and also go past Good Harbor. It’s only $1.25 for youngsters like you, and 60 cents for old guys like me. Check it out: http://canntran.com/routes.html
LikeLike
Or, wait until after 5pm, when the toll booths are closed, and park for free!
LikeLike
Another idea: Let your husband drop you off at the footbridge, and go park legally in the neighborhood. Then Mr. Taylor can stroll down to the beach to join you.
LikeLike
I believe the non-resident renter- 60 or more days for $50 means that you have a lease or rental agreement for 60 or more days. The sticker is good for the whole season- a very very good deal.
LikeLike
Excellent recommendations-suggestions and effort to help others. Have the fun is getting there on foot if not carrying too much is being one with the area you are in!! 🙂
LikeLike
Rockport only charges $100.00 to Gloucester Residents for the beaches. I feel we should be treated the same way!
LikeLike
Yes, I agree with Judy above. Us Rockport residents should be able to get the stickers for $100.00. I did take the trolley service from Stage Fort Park to Good Harbour. Great service, but it did take quite awhile just to get there and back.
LikeLike