No more non-permit parking, according to the CoC

[witzwurst.livejournal.com]

The Somerville Chamber of Commerce has just posted a notice regarding some rather strident rule changes apparently implemented by the Traffic and Parking Commission last Thursday. There's no effective date as of yet, nor any official announcement from the City, although these items are all on the official agenda from last Thursday's meeting.

Full details (in PDF form) are here: http://www.somervillechamber.org/news_images/5_25_09/09newparkingregs.pdf

Highlights of the changes include:

• implementation of "Residential Permit Parking on all public streets in the City of Somerville Monday through Saturday, 24 hours"
• extension of meter hours to 10:00 PM in Davis Square and Magoun Square
• extension of meter hours to 8:00 PM in all other parts of Somerville
• a 100% increase in meter rates from $0.50/hr to $1.00/hr

This seems like a huge loss for those who work -- but don't reside -- in Somerville; they'll essentially no longer be able to park on City streets. Seems like an odd decision for a city trying to encourage business development. If you don't like the proposed changes, I strongly suggest you contact your alderperson.