As Newton heads toward a vote on repealing the winter overnight parking ban, I have one question: Have the folks pushing for repeal seen our narrow streets in Nonantum in the winter?
Right now, from December 1 to March 31, you can’t park for more than an hour between 2:00 and 6:00 a.m. The fine is $25 — only sometimes enforced — but it manages to keep our streets more plowable, passable, and less congested.
The repeal effort is being led by residents of Oak Hill and Newton Highlands — but Oak Hill and Newton Highlands are not Nonantum. In Nonantum, if you take away the ban, you’ll have cars lining every narrow street until the snowbanks swallow them.
Repeal supporters complain that it’s annoying to swap cars in the driveway — something they amusingly called the “Newton Valet.” We call it the “Do-Si-Do,” and yes, it’s like vehicular square dancing. We do it all year and somehow still manage to make it to work on time.
Many neighbors who have garages just use them for storage and park outside anyway. Many who have driveways wouldn’t shovel them and could park on the street. Take away the restriction, and good luck ever finding space for guests, deliveries, or emergency vehicles.
If anything, I’d extend the 2-6 a.m. ban year-round. Exceptions should be made when needed, but a full repeal will turn Nonantum into a parking lot.
Please consider all neighborhoods. Let’s keep our streets clear, safe, and civic minded. Vote NO on repealing Newton’s winter parking ban.
Megara Bell
Nonantum
