...The allure of the Downing property was the parking for those who launch at the ramp. Your idea of a "nearby" satellite parking lot would be about a mile away, negating the handiness of the property as is.
Immediately adjacent to the Downing property is the Alton Town Beach and next to it is Harmony Park, complete with a couple of picnic tables, with its own parking area across the street from the beach and park, and a rest room area there as well.
Across the Bay is the Railroad park area, with several businesses, another boat ramp without parking nearby, a bandstand, and picnic tables.
Perhaps if FLL were to get in his 20 year old car maintained by Walmart, and drive to the McDonald's at the Alton Circle, he would see that Alton Bay has a good mix of convenience for boaters and a place to bring families along the bay.
FLL, I think the residents of Alton don't need to turn the bay area into another Merideth. We pretty much like the bay as it is.