Parking Advisory Committee discusses new EV charging stations

By Barbara Taormina

REVERE – Transportation Coordinator Julie DeMauro met with the Parking Advisory Committee last week and provided an update on the city’s electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

As of June 30, the city has collected $5,630 in fees for charging electric vehicles at the city-owned charging stations. The stations dispensed a total of 17.5 megawatt of electricity with 12.5 megawatt of energy going to vehicles owned by the public. DeMauro said the city is taking in between 22 cents and 30 cents a kilowatt so costs are being covered. The money collected will be used for maintenance, repairs and investments in new charging stations. DeMauro said the Public Works department is looking for a charging station that will also be open to the public.

According to Chargefinder.com, the city has 21 charging stations for electric vehicles; 4 at city hall; two at the Hill School at 51 Park Ave.; four at Mahoney Circle on Everett Street; two at 139 Shirley Ave.; one at 21 Revere Beach Blvd., one at Rumney Flats; 2 at the Avid Hotel, 415 American Legion Hwy. and one located at Stop & Shop at 540 Squire Rd. Keep in mind that some of the aforementioned charging stations are privately-owned.

The committee also discussed wayfaring signs for Shirley Avenue and Broadway. Signs that identify parking lots and signs meant to increase pedestrian safety are a priority. There is also a plan in the works to divide Broadway into three distinct sections. The sign project will be covered by state grant funding and a small $10,000 slice of city money. The committee voted to send the sign project to a public hearing along with their proposal for covering tree pits on Shirley Avenue.

The city has looked at several options for closing the tree pits. Mulch and gravel have been the traditional solutions. But the city is also looking at synthetic poured surface, a rubberized surface much like what one sees at playgrounds.

“I think it’s the best option,” said Committee member and Ward 4 City Councillor Paul Argenzio of the synthetic solution. “It’s expensive, but mulch and gravel get kicked around and weeds grow through them.”

The committee also made a pitch for new members, particularly business owners on Shirley Avenue and Broadway. The committee agreed it was valuable to get the perspective of business owners for parking plans or changes. Argenzio said he would reach out to several candidates.