Revere Traffic Commission tables parking permit cap, sets hearings on stop signs, street changes

Advocate Staff Report

At their meeting last week, the Traffic Commission tabled a motion from Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya and Mayor Patrick Keefe for a regulation limiting the number of residential parking permits issued per address or unit to four with the stipulation that residents may apply for additional permits through an appeals process. Commission Chairman Chris Ciaramella said more research needs to be done on the motion.

The commission also agreed to hold a public hearing on a request from Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky for isolated stop signs on Walnut Place and Overlook Avenue. Novoselsky said cars fly around the corner and do not stop at the intersection. He said the signs will be a signal to drivers.

There will also be a public hearing on whether to add a handicapped person parking space at 54 Carlson Ave.

Commission Chairman Ciaramella agreed with Councillor Guarino-Sawaya that eliminating parking on Revere Street from Sagamore Street to North Shore Road would increase public safety and traffic efficiency. There was some concern about eliminating parking for residents in the neighborhood. The commission will hold a public hearing on the motion.

The commission agreed to hold a public hearing on making Genesee Street one way to Mountain Avenue and Furness Street one way to Park Avenue. Commissioners agreed the space was limited and two-way traffic was difficult.

Councillor Guarino-Sawaya filed a motion to make Bates Street, Douglas Street and Shurtleff Street resident-only parking streets with 24-hour enforcement. According to Guarino-Sawaya, patrons from the nearby restaurant park on those streets and are taking spaces for residents. Guarino-Sawaya also said crowds leaving the restaurant are noisy — blaring music from car radios — and there have been bottles thrown and a fight. Commission Chairman Ciaramella questioned if a ban on overnight parking might be a better solution. The commission will hold a public hearing on the motion.

Ciaramella announced that the sign for the handicapped person parking space at 54 Eastern Ave. will be removed. The resident needing the space has moved.

The commission noted on its agenda that they are currently looking into concerns about the redesign of Harris Street.