June 12, 2009
Problems with the Parking Regulation as Passed
- One Size Does Not Fits All - Every neighborhood in Somerville is different and has different parking needs. The changes assume that there is a parking demand problem on all streets at all hours of the day. A one-size-fits-all plan and will undoubtedly have unintended negative consequences.
- Dinner and a show no more – Patrons of Davis Square and Magoun Square businesses with entertainment such as the Somerville Theater and Johnny D’s will not be able to enjoy their evening for more than a 2 hours, as meters in these areas will be monitored through 10pm.
- Impacts on Businesses outside of Central Business Districts – Businesses on Broadway, Highland Ave, Medford St, Somerville Ave, Beacon St and Washington St, among others, will have limited and perhaps no parking for non-Somerville residents.
- Impacts Business Employees – Currently the City-wide Business districts have few or no available Business Permits and employees rely on unrestricted parking areas. Further, the current Business Parking Permit system is useful only for full-time, long-term employees and is prohibitive for all others.
- Impacts quality of life for residents – friends and family from outside the City will have very limited places in which to park when visiting.
- Lack of time to effectively implement – The fast deadline doesn’t allow sufficient time to effectively communicate and discuss the changes.
- The Traffic Commission made its decision in haste and without community input. A more thoughtful process will allow for a better plan with stronger community support.
Alternative Parking Solutions
Possible options for balancing the need to generate revenue with the need to have a parking system that provides for the needs of businesses and residents include:
Central Business Districts
- Managing meters for demand – charge more for meters where the demand is greater
- Eliminate time limits on meters – enable people to pay to park for as long a they need
- Shared Parking – During weekend nights and times of extremely high demand a "shared parking" arrangement should be encouraged with local day-time businesses who have parking lots they use only during the day.
- Expand the use of coinless parking cards – Make it easier to obtain a card through public-private partnerships.
- Open the program up to non-Somerville residents. Stored value on the cards will provide the City with interest revenue.
- Expand business employee parking permit program – and create incentives for employees to park further from the Central Business Districts.
- Net revenue set aside – Set aside a portion of the new net meter revenues for transportation and streetscape improvements.
Outside Central Business Districts
- Conduct a neighborhood by neighborhood parking needs assessment to determine what changes should be made on what streets
- Provide meter parking near businesses
- Ensure portions of some major streets are maintained for visitor parking
- Raise permit fees from the current $15/year to generate additional income
