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davis_squareEdit: It looks like this meeting was intended only for local business people and not for the general public, despite what the e-mail said. As a result, I'm putting the entire post behind a cut. Read the comments if you're interested.
An e-mail from DARBI (Davis Area Resident-Business Initiative):
We wanted to give everyone a heads-up about a meeting Tuesday night. This meeting -- regarding the proposed parking changes in Somerville -- is open to businesspeople and residents.
Here's a note from Joe Grafton of Somerville Local First ...
I know its short notice, but I want to make sure you know that Tuesday night @ 8:00 PM at the Somerville Theatre, there will be a meeting to discuss the proposed parking changes by the city. We hope to give local biz another opportunity to coalesce their concerns.
We'll also have Mark Chase, resident and parking expert, there to offer an alternative view and strategy. Mark presented briefly at our Board Meeting and has some great ideas.
Details on Proposed Changes
In case you hadn't heard, here are the details on the proposed changes, courtesy of our friends at Union Square Main Streets ...
On May 21, 2009 the Somerville Traffic Commission voted to approve significant changes to City parking regulations:
1. Residential Permit Parking on all public streets in the City of Somerville Monday through Saturday, 24 hours.
* All streets not currently designated will revert to Residential Permit Parking Only
* All existing 2 Hour Parking except by permit 8am to 6pm spaces will remain.
* These spaces will be designated Residential Permit Parking Only from 6pm until 8am
2. Hours of meter operation from 8am-6pm to 8am- 8pm, with the exception of Davis Square and Magoun Square, which will be 8am-10pm.
3. Meter fees have will increase from $0.50 cents an hour to $1 an hour.
4. Meter changes are slated to go into effect this month and residential permit changes in August.
These changes are sought because the City of Somerville needs to creatively and urgently make up a $13 million budget shortfall. Revenues through parking permits and tickets are seen as a means to meet some of this target.
There's much concern on the impact of these changes, particularly by businesses. The Somerville Chamber of Commerce, DARBI, East Somerville Main Streets, Somerville Local First and our own Union Square Main Streets have been in conversation and are responding.
The Traffic Commission is solely entrusted with ratifying parking regulations and was able to make this sweeping change without the input of the Board of Aldermen and there was little effort to solicit public comment. Without dialogue about the impacts of these wide-spread new rules many are worried about where they will park, where their customers and employees will park without fear of a constant stream of tickets.
Among community conversations these issues are popping up most:
- Lack of time to effectively implement. The short time frame doesn't allow for effective communicate the changes.
- Forcing a Fine. As written the regulation eliminates in some areas any means for non-residents or those ineligible for a resident permit (leasing a company vehicle for example) to park legally on street. For example, establishments in areas outside business districts rely on non-permitted streets for their non-Somerville customers to park. The new regulation wouldn't allow for any non-resident parking for this businesses after 6 pm. Doing business at City Hall or the City Hall Annex and not a resident, you're out of luck too.
- Alternatives for Business Employee Permits. Currently the business permitting process is ineffective. 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.
-Dinner and a Show Is 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.
- 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.
There's an effort afoot to encourage the City to see beyond this immediate crisis to an important opportunity. Through a more thoughtful, comprehensive approach to parking management, Somerville can establish itself as a national leader in how municipalities can manage parking for economic vitality. Such a plan can serve the vehicle parking needs of residents and business patrons, maintain active business districts, and generate the revenue needed to continue vital City services.
The Chamber of Commerce has met with City officials about the matter. A petition signed by 50 Somerville registered voters is enough to require the Traffic Commission to hold a public hearing and reconsider their vote. At least two petitions are circulating in the community. Union Square Main Streets is proposing a community forum for residents and businesses to learn about strategies in parking management. Details on these efforts to follow.
Sincerely,
Your friends at DARBI
An e-mail from DARBI (Davis Area Resident-Business Initiative):
We wanted to give everyone a heads-up about a meeting Tuesday night. This meeting -- regarding the proposed parking changes in Somerville -- is open to businesspeople and residents.
Here's a note from Joe Grafton of Somerville Local First ...
I know its short notice, but I want to make sure you know that Tuesday night @ 8:00 PM at the Somerville Theatre, there will be a meeting to discuss the proposed parking changes by the city. We hope to give local biz another opportunity to coalesce their concerns.
We'll also have Mark Chase, resident and parking expert, there to offer an alternative view and strategy. Mark presented briefly at our Board Meeting and has some great ideas.
Details on Proposed Changes
In case you hadn't heard, here are the details on the proposed changes, courtesy of our friends at Union Square Main Streets ...
On May 21, 2009 the Somerville Traffic Commission voted to approve significant changes to City parking regulations:
1. Residential Permit Parking on all public streets in the City of Somerville Monday through Saturday, 24 hours.
* All streets not currently designated will revert to Residential Permit Parking Only
* All existing 2 Hour Parking except by permit 8am to 6pm spaces will remain.
* These spaces will be designated Residential Permit Parking Only from 6pm until 8am
2. Hours of meter operation from 8am-6pm to 8am- 8pm, with the exception of Davis Square and Magoun Square, which will be 8am-10pm.
3. Meter fees have will increase from $0.50 cents an hour to $1 an hour.
4. Meter changes are slated to go into effect this month and residential permit changes in August.
These changes are sought because the City of Somerville needs to creatively and urgently make up a $13 million budget shortfall. Revenues through parking permits and tickets are seen as a means to meet some of this target.
There's much concern on the impact of these changes, particularly by businesses. The Somerville Chamber of Commerce, DARBI, East Somerville Main Streets, Somerville Local First and our own Union Square Main Streets have been in conversation and are responding.
The Traffic Commission is solely entrusted with ratifying parking regulations and was able to make this sweeping change without the input of the Board of Aldermen and there was little effort to solicit public comment. Without dialogue about the impacts of these wide-spread new rules many are worried about where they will park, where their customers and employees will park without fear of a constant stream of tickets.
Among community conversations these issues are popping up most:
- Lack of time to effectively implement. The short time frame doesn't allow for effective communicate the changes.
- Forcing a Fine. As written the regulation eliminates in some areas any means for non-residents or those ineligible for a resident permit (leasing a company vehicle for example) to park legally on street. For example, establishments in areas outside business districts rely on non-permitted streets for their non-Somerville customers to park. The new regulation wouldn't allow for any non-resident parking for this businesses after 6 pm. Doing business at City Hall or the City Hall Annex and not a resident, you're out of luck too.
- Alternatives for Business Employee Permits. Currently the business permitting process is ineffective. 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.
-Dinner and a Show Is 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.
- 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.
There's an effort afoot to encourage the City to see beyond this immediate crisis to an important opportunity. Through a more thoughtful, comprehensive approach to parking management, Somerville can establish itself as a national leader in how municipalities can manage parking for economic vitality. Such a plan can serve the vehicle parking needs of residents and business patrons, maintain active business districts, and generate the revenue needed to continue vital City services.
The Chamber of Commerce has met with City officials about the matter. A petition signed by 50 Somerville registered voters is enough to require the Traffic Commission to hold a public hearing and reconsider their vote. At least two petitions are circulating in the community. Union Square Main Streets is proposing a community forum for residents and businesses to learn about strategies in parking management. Details on these efforts to follow.
Sincerely,
Your friends at DARBI