To the Editor:

After reading the story about Gloucester police cracking down on RV parking on the Boulevard for the Horribles parade (The Times, Tuesday, July 1), I have to say that I think the city of Gloucester is missing a great opportunity for collecting revenue from these RVers.

Being an RVer for many years, I've had a lot of pleasurable long weekends in my own RV traveling with friends to different cities for their festivals and cultural events. Sure, it's an eyesore to see a lot of RVs parked along the Boulevard, but with a little effort in helping them set-up in an out-of-the-way-area, the RVers and the citizens of Gloucester — as well as city officials — would all be happy.

It makes me very sad to see the city officials banning the RVers efforts to come and use our city services and enjoy the beautiful coastline here. I think it's also sending out a very negative message for our tourist industry. (Yes, we want the cruise ships money, but not the RVers money!)

SOLUTION: Why not allow the RV'ers some space to park in the parking lot adjacent to "The Cupboard" for the long weekend, or even in the upper paved parking lot where a toll booth already exists? The RVs would be out of the way of regular vehicles and surrounding homes, and they would be able to enjoy the views from being allowed parking across from our beautiful bay and park. Put up a sign directing them into Gloucester the back way, hire someone to collect fees — say $30 a night for parking — hire a few students to clean up any garbage, and the city could make a lot of money for a three- or four-day weekend for all of our festivals, all summer long.

RVers are usually very mature and clean, as most of their vehicles are fully self contained. There is no need for portable toilets, drinking water, or any extra items for them, other than placing a few trash containers in the area for them to use. Give them a few rules, such as no noise or generator running after 10 p.m. and they're all set! A lot of the RVers would be shopping and dining in the area as well, bringing in additional revenues for our local establishments, which could use the business. The city could also run a shuttle from the welcome center in the park to the downtown area for the RVers, perhaps a package deal with their overnight fee's.

It's not too late! Let's invite them into Gloucester, try it once and see how it goes? Who knows? It could become a great new way to generate revenue for this city!

><p>

Jan Low

Gloucester