Somerville Parking Advocacy and Reform Coalition (SPARC) Forms to Advocate for Better City Parking R

[somervilleparc.livejournal.com]

Somerville Parking Advocacy and Reform Coalition (SPARC), a group of business groups, neighborhood associations and concerned residents advocating for a more thoughtful and comprehensive approach to parking regulation in Somerville, has formed to addresses the recent citywide parking changes.
 
SPARC is concerned about that impact that these changes will have on the economic vitality of Somerville businesses and artists, and quality of life for Somerville residents and visitors.  SPARC is also concerned that such sweeping decisions were made by a commission appointed by the Mayor and not by an elected body, and that the Traffic Commission took the vote quietly and without real opportunity for public process.
 
On May 21, 2009 the Somerville Traffic Commission approved city-wide changes to change meter and resident permit parking regulations.  Changes include making all city streets resident only parking, and increasing meter enforcement to 10pm in Davis Sq and Magoun Square and 8pm in other Central Business Districts. Meter rates will also increased from $0.50 per hour to $1.00 per hour.  The Mayor formed the Parking Solutions Task Force to recommend modifications to the parking regulation changes and the Task Force’s recommendations were released on June 10th.
 
The Traffic Commission will vote on the Task Force’s recommendation this Thursday July 30th at 5pm at the Traffic and Parking Office, 133  Holland St. SPARC encourages anyone concerned about the impacts of the changes to attend the meeting.

SPARC’s mission is to work collaboratively with the City of Somerville towards the creation of an innovative parking plan, devised through community input, which allows the City to serve the vehicle parking needs of residents and business patrons, to maintain active business districts, and to generate the revenue needed to continue vital City services. SPARC strives to ensure that Somerville establishes itself as a national leader in managing parking for economic vitality.

SPARC members include:
Davis Square Area Resident Business Initiative (DARBI)
Somerville Local First
Union Square Main Streets
East Somerville Main Streets
Magoun Square Neighborhood Association
Somerville artists
Somerville residents

SPARC is calling for the postponement of the implementation of the parking regulation changes and the opening up of a city-wide community process to evaluate the impact such changes will have on the community. An online petition is available at: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/SomervilleParkingAppeal2009
 
More information is available at  www.somervilleparc.blogspot.com
To keep up-to-date on SPARC email SomervillePARC@gmail.com to be added to our list

Comments

[tt02144.livejournal.com]

Can someone explain to me why the newspapers are reporting that the new regulations (including city-wide permit parking, etc.) go into effect August 1st, but go on to say that they will be voted on July 30th? What exactly is the vote about, and I thought they had decided to shelve (at least temporarily) the more controversial proposals?

[tt02144.livejournal.com]

The city website is reporting that parking meters are in the process of being changed to the new cost. Anyone still wonder why people are cynical? Heck, if they didn't make the change now, they'd never get it done in time for an 8/1 start if they actually waited for the vote on 7/30! Luckily they don't need to wait for the vote because they already know the outcome.