The Select Board approved the downtown parking plan on Tuesday night by a vote of four to one, ending a discussion that ran through most of the meeting. The plan adds angled parking on two blocks of Market Street and sets aside a small number of spaces for short-term pickup.
Residents spoke on both sides during the comment period. Several business owners supported the change, and a few neighbors raised concerns about traffic on side streets.
What it means for residents
Construction is expected to begin in the fall. During the work, the town will keep one lane open on Market Street and post detour signs for the side streets.
We owe people a plain account of what happened, and a way to check it for themselves.
The board asked staff to return in August with a striping design, and residents will be able to comment on it before the work starts.
Transcript
Chair Nolan: We'll open the public hearing on the downtown parking plan. I'll ask staff to walk us through the proposal before we take comment.
Town Planner Reyes: Thank you. The plan adds angled parking on two blocks of Market Street and reserves a small number of spaces for short-term pickup near the pharmacy. The goal is to add capacity on Market Street without widening the road.
Member Alvarez: My concern is that pushing parking onto Market Street sends traffic onto the side streets. Has staff modeled the side-street impact?