Committee hears uptick in photoshoots and unpermitted filming; downtown valet likely will not return

Dina told the Visitor Services Advisory Committee that special‑event permit activity is high this season: 151 applications so far, and July is shaping up to be the busiest month. She said photo‑shoot permit requests have increased sharply — four applications in the past month versus five over the entire previous year — and reminded residents to report unpermitted filming that blocks sidewalks.

“If any of you see folks running around with cameras, call us,” Dina said, adding that permitted productions are listed in notices and that productions not on the town list may be operating illegally.

Committee members also discussed downtown parking. Liz Holland said there is a “98% chance” the valet service will not return this year; Shanta said National Grid will use the lot for planned work and that building renovations make offering a portion of the lot impractical, which contributed to the valet’s likely absence.

Town staff said a new downtown police officer, Rachel Lester, started about two weeks ago and will help with enforcement and coordination with community safety officers. Members suggested inviting the new officer and the community safety officer to a future meeting to discuss enforcement and parking mitigation; the committee tentatively scheduled a June meeting and requested staff outreach.

The committee closed by noting next steps on enforcement outreach and by setting its next meeting for June 9. The committee approved the April 14 minutes earlier in the meeting by roll‑call vote (motion by Matt Piel; second by Liz Holland) and adjourned by roll‑call vote at the meeting’s close.