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File #: 189437    Version: 1
Type: Committee Report Status: Approved
File created: 5/13/2010 In control: City Council
On agenda: 5/13/2010 Final action: 5/13/2010
Enactment date: 5/13/2010 Enactment #: 189437
Title: Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking

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Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking

 

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Official Text

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEEON TRAFFIC AND PARKINGThe Committee on Traffic and Parking met on April 27, 2010, with Chairman William Roche presiding and Committee Members Aldermen Robert Trane and Walter Pero also present and voting.  Also present were Aldermen Sean O?Donovan, Bruce Desmond and John Connolly, Administrative Assistant Matt Dias, Director of Traffic and Parking Robert Bradley and Traffic Engineer Terry Smith.189027 - That the City Traffic Engineer initiate a study to reduce traffic on College Ave. from Powderhouse Rotary to Davis Sq., at the same time as bicycle symbols are installed on both sides of the street next month:Mr. Smith discussed the recent installation of bicycle symbols on roads and Mr. Bradley stated that the city?s goal is to keep traffic on the main streets and off side streets, therefore, he believes that the current plan is the best way to proceed, since there is no way to stop traffic on College Avenue without clogging up side streets.188941 - That the Director of SPCD prepare to discuss #188633 (regarding parking vehicles in the lot at One Ball Square) in or around June, 2010: Alderman O?Donovan discussed the un-permitted parking of cars in the lot. OSPCD will confer with the Law Department and report back to the committee in one month.189265 - Develop and implement a campaign to encourage bicyclists to stop riding on the sidewalks in business districts:Mr. Dias stated the Administration would issue a press release and Mr. Smith added that signs are posted in Davis Square advising of the fine for riding on the sidewalks.Alderman Trane?s motion that the Commissioner of Public Works create a new stencil indicating fine amounts for riding bikes on sidewalks, was approved.189058 - issuing tickets to violators illegally parked in HP parking spaces:The committee discussed having Parking Control Officers become more aggressive in ticketing on private property and Alderman Desmond suggested that detail police officers at Demoulas Market Basket also issue tickets.189111 - Administration and the Parking Solutions Task Force stop combining Davis and Magoun Sqs. when considering traffic and parking changes: Mr. Bradley discussed a study on meter usage and how they maight be better utilized.  Alderman O?Donovan expressed his concern over metering that hurts Magoun Square businesses and he is opposed to increasing the operation of meters to 10:00 PM.189110 - Consider measures to alleviate the negative impact of the new traffic regulations on Magoun Sq. businesses:The committee discussed ways of improving the protocol for business parking permits so as to not decrease the number of parking spaces used by business patrons.  Alderman Trane expressed concerns about businesses leaving their vehicles in city lots overnight.Alderman Pero?s motion that the Director of Traffic and Parking enforce the 2:30 AM limit for business parking permitted spaces, was approved.Alderman Pero?s motion that the Director of Traffic and Parking review the utilization of all business permit parking spots and consider moving the locations outside city lots, was approved.Alderman Trane?s motion that the Director of Traffic and Parking examine the possibility of moving business permit parking from the municipal lot in Magoun Square to Ryan Road and Franey Road and offer suggestions of how to change these streets from private ways to public ways, if necessary, was approved.Alderman Connolly?s motion that the Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development contact the MBTA to request that additional bike racks be installed around T stations in the city, was approved.No papers were acted on.