Embedded Files
An organization of Newton residents who believe Parking is an important local issue.
We advocate for pragmatic solutions for parking policy in the City of Newton MA
Please join our email list
We use it to inform you when there is a parking issue
that we are working with the city to solve.
Priorities
The city has to manage public safety risks of winter weather
Establish smart criteria for evaluating the shortened overnight winter parking ban by December 1, 2026
Newton has to be pragmatic and address needs of residents who need parking.
Overnight Parking
We believe Newton residents who need overnight street parking should have a practical way to park, while the City retains the ability to mitigate winter risks on our streets for public safety.
Newton has several groups competing for parking with different needs
Businesses or individuals that work overnight in Newton need a place for their vehicle.
Temporary visitors
Residents who have private off-street parking.
Residents who have historically relied on public street parking.
Winter Public Safety
Winter Facts:
Average Newton Low Temperature December 28F-30F
Coldest Time of Day - Dawn ~7am
DPW deploys plows and sanders during Freezing Rain, Sleet and Snow
The most effective ice and snow treatment require absence of parked cars
Winter safety risks need to be managed by the city.
Cold Weather, Winter Darkness, Freeze-thaw cycles create black ice and other road hazards.
These hazards are acute at the curb where water accumulates.
Overnight parked cars interfere with the treatment and removal of ice and snow
Improperly treated roads can cause:
Narrowing of streets - making traffic and emergency vehicle response difficult or impossible.
Blockage for storm drains for water to be removed from roadway
Slipping hazards for pedestrians, commuters, and school children walking or riding to school
Hazards for cyclists who ride on sides of road where ice accumulates
Evaluating the 2026-27 Overnight Parking Pilot
Ban Approved without a PlanÂ
Define how success or failure of the pilot will be evaluated
The criteria must be defined BEFORE the pilot starts on December 1.
Define the data required from DPW, Police, Fire and other relevant city departments.
Define what success and failure are based on quantifiable criteria that realistically measure the shortening of the ban.
Define which city officials and residents are responsible for the definition and evaluation.
Commit to publish the report and make it available for public comment before making decision on future pilots or changes to the program.
Proposed Evaluation Criteria:
What issues occurred with DPW clearance, any emergency response, or avoidable winter-related incidents?
Did the pilot experience sufficient winter conditions to evaluate public-safety impacts?
Did the pilot meaningfully address the city's winter parking issues?
Contact us:
Click the button to send us a message.
NewtonParking.com
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse