Snow Emergency lifted

[sonofabish.livejournal.com]

SOMERVILLE - The City of Somerville is lifting its snow emergency as of 10 a.m. today (Monday). Residents who parked in municipal lots during the recent snow emergency have two hours from 10 a.m. (until noon) in which to move their vehicles before becoming subject to ticketing and towing. Residents are advised to shovel, salt or sand their sidewalks as soon as practicable, but may not shovel snow into the street. Residents with questions about snow removal regulations governing sidewalks and curbs may call the city's Inspectional Services office at 617-625-6600, ext. 5600 - or request information from the city's 311 information and support system by dialing 311 (617-666-3311 from cell phones) or visiting the city's website at www.ci.somerville.ma.us.


Ok, folks, our next project is to get City Hall to change this 2-hour rule. For folks that work, this is impossible. And we really need to see about overhauling the 2-day move it or lose it rule as well, which sucks for people like me who travel for business.

Comments

[talonvaki.livejournal.com]

The City of Somerville seems to have a blind spot when it comes to realising that people who live here don't necessarily work here.

[hdaemon.livejournal.com]

I wholeheartedly agree that the 48-hour limitation should be abolished. Just because I have a car in the city, why should I be required to use it every 48 hours? Personally, I have my car for trips outside the city, which I make once every week or two. The rest of the time I make use of public transportation. Why should I be punished simply because I choose not to use my car?

[rxrfrx.livejournal.com]

It's the same logic as the no-overnight-street-parking policy in places like Brookline. It creates an incentive to pay for off-street parking, which in turn keeps property value high.

[prunesnprisms.livejournal.com]

I'm right there with you. I wasn't in one of those lots, but still, 2 freaking hours? NOT ON.

[ron_newman]

Of course, those of us who rent would prefer an incentive to keep property value low, rather than high.

[sonofabish.livejournal.com]

The official explanation of Brookline was that there was no overnight parking allowed to A> keep the streets clear for the streetsweeper and B> to reduce crime.

A is complete bullshit because even on Beacon St, it wasn't swept every night. I know because I was awake.

B is also bullshit and is a thinly-veiled attempt to cut down on the number of college-dwellers there.

I always wanted to challenge that regulation on the grounds that it presented an infringement upon the right of free association by erecting an artificial barrier that has no legitimate legal justification.

Now as to Somerville, I think the snow policy is messed up because nobody's bothered to think it through and realize how ridiculous and illogical certain parts of it are.

We should draw up a petition and submit it to our representatives and see about getting it modified.