New parking meters approved by Traffic Commission

By Barbara Taormina

REVERE – At their July meeting, the Traffic Commission approved the installation of parking meters in various locations throughout the city.

Parking Director Zachary Babo explained that the locations selected for metered parking were informed by a parking study done in conjunction with the Planning & Community Development Department. “There have been changes to the behavior of parking cars,” Babo told the commission. “Whether it’s from a new business or a new development, cars are standing a lot longer and not moving along freeing up space for someone else.”

Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky, whose ward will feel the greatest impact from the change, said he supports the meters. “We’re trying to balance out the residential people from the businesses,” said Novoselsky.

Changes in the city’s parking schedule will affect Cummings Avenue, Dehon Street, Centennial Avenue, Fernwood Avenue, Garfield Avenue, Mountain Avenue, North Shore Road, Orr Square, Pleasant Street, Shirley Avenue and Yeaman Street. Meters on Shirley Avenue, Centennial Avenue, Dehon Street, Garfield Avenue and in Orr Square will be equipped with sensors allowing the operator of the vehicle 15 minutes of free parking. The new meters will have a two-hour limit, which Babo said will help with enforcement.

The Commission also updated meter fees. Parking time for an on-street meter spot will be 25 cents for each 15-minute interval, and $1 for an hour interval. The fee for an on-street meter spot equipped for 15 minutes of free parking will be $1.50 per one-hour interval. While the new fee structure may mean that drivers will pay extra for 15 minutes of free time, the plan is that the sensors will encourage quick turnovers of parking spaces and let more people access local businesses.