Explosive Event Causes Parking Issues in Andes

ANDES - Roughly 40 individuals attended the Andes Town Board meeting to discuss issues ignited by the recent Oh-Boy! market and fair hosted by Wayside Cider at 55 Redden Lane.

Entrance to Wayside Cider at 55 Redden Lane off Andes Main Street.

ANDES - Over 40 Andes residents and business owners attended the town board meeting on July 9 to address parking issues ignited by the recent Oh-Boy! market and fair hosted by Wayside Cider at 55 Redden Lane. The event brought in roughly 1,500 visitors causing congestion and confusion on Main Street.

Lisa Marasa, who lives across the street from Dragonfly55 Coffee Bistro, spoke with frustration stating while she supports the local businesses the congestion causes issues getting out of her driveway. "I have better things to do on the weekend then patrol my driveway," she pleaded. She explained that she stands near the roadway to ensure no one blocks the driveway, which, according to Marasa, happens often. Several times Marasa requested the board explore painting parking spot lines for the street. She pointed to Delhi Village as an example of street parking infrastructure.

Attendees complained the event was not advertised to locals and was only posted on Instagram. However, this was debunked by other attendees, who noted the event was promoted through physical signage. Despite this, it was clear many locals were unaware of the event.

Town council members were also unaware the event was planned. Several individuals suggested developing an event permit process to avoid some issues. Suggestions for permitting included regulations on parking attendants, safety cone placement, police presence, parking signage,

While parking congestion was the main discussion topic, other concerns included traffic safety, emergency services access, dog poop, and other littering. Some residents questioned whether Andes could handle an event of this size or if it would be best at another location. Others suggested having business owners be responsible for street-side trash receptacles. And some residents were frustrated with parking all summer long. One individual stated traffic concerns cause her to keep her child from riding their bike along Main Street on weekends.

Wayside Representative Irene Hussey apologized to those who experienced issues during the event. She explained that they too, were surprised by the number of people who attended as they originally anticipated a few hundred. In the future, Hussey said Wayside would happily comply with any permitting process. She also suggested the potential movement of the event to her family farm in Delhi.

Despite concerns, many individuals spoke positively of the event's success.

Sounds Good Music House owner Greg Evans said these types of events are what help businesses like his own succeed. Without them, he explained, relocation would be necessary.

Mary Davis said, "We are victims of success." She applauded Wayside for its prosperous event planning and said while there were cons, there were more positives. She also noted when planning an event it is impossible to predict success. "It could have rained and no one would have shown," she argued.

Many individuals said the difficulty encountered with this event is a learning opportunity and a great way to see Andes grow positively. Others noted that parking concerns have historically been an issue.

The Town Comprehensive Plan - updated in 2023 - examined ways to alleviate parking concerns but no solution was found. Those working on the plan explored parking lot development, but there were no available areas, explained Supervisor Wayland "Bud" Gladstone.

One attendee offered to utilize her property for parking during large events. Others suggested using paid parking at the school and fire department to raise funds for the fire department.

Gladstone suggested developing a committee to explore an event permit process and other potential parking protocols. Several attendees signed up to potentially be a part of the committee.

In other business

The town is working with the county on securing a $25,000 grant for municipal pools. If awarded the grant would be shared with roughly 10 to 12 pools around the county.

Gladstone is working with the county Soil and Water Conservation District to fix damage on the school lawn.

Margaretville Telephone Company agreed to hang the Community Day Banner. The event is scheduled Saturday, Aug. 10.

The council granted governmental immunity from compliance with zoning law and other laws for construction of a communications tower on a town-owned parcel off Cemetery Road. The parcel is roughly a quarter of a mile away from the school, said Gladstone. A public hearing will be set regarding the project.

The next town council meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m.