Support grows for man with NH beach towing bill

HAMPTON, N.H. (AP) -- Support has been pouring in for a Massachusetts man who got a $235 towing bill after he thought he parked in a public spot at New Hampshire's Hampton Beach.

Luis Melendez of Haverhill paid $4 at a kiosk for two hours of parking. But he actually parked in a space the state leases to a hotel. His car was towed when he returned. He told the Eagle Tribune the bill's more than half of his weekly take-home pay. A message left for the hotel owner wasn't immediately returned Friday.

Phil Bryce, director of the state Division of Parks and Recreation, said the state has started putting up more visible signs pointing out leased spaces to businesses and homeowners. Property owners spend as much as $1,000 to lease a space.