Swampscott to implement pram organization program

SWAMPSCOTT – Recreational prams and kayaks littering Fisherman’s Beach have been a subject of concern for years. A new system is being implemented designed to bring order to the area.Selectman Richard Malagrifa, the liaison between the selectmen and the Harbor Advisory Committee, said the town is moving forward with plans that would require pram owners to purchase a $25 sticker to keep them on the beach near the Fish House.Malagrifa said the town would purchase supplies necessary to construct pram racks, which the Swampscott Yacht Club has volunteered to assemble.”This will give us space for 46 to 52 prams,” Malagrifa said. “It will free up space on the beach and help restore a sense of order down there. We’ll know what prams should be there and who the prams belong to.”Malagrifa added that the changes would not affect commercial fishermen. They would not be charged to store their dinghies or prams.Department of Public Works Director Gino Cresta said this summer there were only 30 slots available for kayaks and prams so the new racks would double the amount of storage space available.”I’m looking forward to having the beach organized,” Cresta said. “The new system should make it easier for everyone down there.”The Harbor Advisory Committee has been charged with developing a list of regulations for the storage of prams and kayaks which, when complete, would be forwarded to the selectmen for their approval.Cresta said once the regulations have been approved his department would be in charge of enforcing the rules.”We have not used stickers but the DPW has always assigned spots on the pram racks,” Cresta said. “We go down there to rake the beaches and empty trash, so enforcement shouldn’t be a problem.”