"Traffic jam" in Mexico

MEXICO -- The good news is that basketball nights at the Mexico Recreation Building are very busy.

However, the bad news is that the area is littered with vehicles that are parked sometimes three and four deep by the police department, located in the old superintendent's office next door.

Police Chief Jim Theriault brought the issue to the attention of the Board of Selectmen at their meeting on Feb. 12. "There's so many people going to the basketball games, but they just don't care where they park."

"Did you try calling the cops!" joked Town Manager John Madigan.

But on a serious note, Theriault said the road beside the town-owned facility is a public road. "It's impossible for us to get through.

They need to make room so that a fire truck or ambulance could get through if need be."

Complicating the matter is that there is ample parking not being used, but it is located further away from the entrance to the gymnasium. The fact the area is dimly lit at night may be another issue.

Theriault said they've ticketed a few vehicles. He said he's also advised Recreation Director Wayne Sevigny, which has improved the situation somewhat.

"It's a good thing to have a traffic jam in Mexico," joked Selectman Peter Merrill, referring to the traffic the basketball program is generating.

In other business, Recreation Committee member Mabel Merrill said they would like to host an event in the Mexico Recreation Park around the end of June. The event would feature a mud run, overnight camping, a band, horseshoes and arm wrestling.

Selectman Reggie Arsenault said he was against such an event in the rec park, adding that the town-owned does not permit smoking or the use of alcohol.

Selectman George Byam said having such an event would net the department about $20,000.

Mud runs have been held in the past by this group in Mexico in the field in back of Coulthard's.

If the plans progresses, Merrill said the proposed event will come before the board for consideration. If this happens, Arsenault said he also wants to meet with the group putting on the event.

The board approved Merrill's recommendation of Shane Child to fill a vacancy to the seven-person recreation board.