The Colby & Gale Service Station at 105 Main St. in downtown Damariscotta. For safety reasons, the station is asking drivers not to use its driveway to enter and exit the municipal parking lot. (Maia Zewert photo)
Out of concern for pedestrian safety, Colby & Gale Service Station Manager Daryl Fraser is asking drivers not to use the station’s lot at 105 Main St. in downtown Damariscotta as an entrance or exit to the municipal parking lot.
Fraser said he has witnessed an increase in drivers going through the lot, which is private property, and is concerned about the safety of customers walking to the station and the nearby shops.
“With the entrances and exits to the parking lot, it can get a little congested, and people see our lot at 105 Main St. is an easier way to enter and exit the parking lot,” Fraser said. “But with more traffic and more pedestrians, both our customers and customers of other retail neighbors, I really just want to get the word out that this is private property.”
While there has not been an accident yet, Fraser said there have been some close calls this year.
“We’ve been fortunate up to date about it, but my fear is that we’re living on borrowed time,” Fraser said. “We really don’t want to see someone getting hurt down here.”
Fraser said he has worked with the town to remove a painted arrow directing drivers through the driveway, and has painted additional signage to indicate it is not a public way.
