As a Newton resident, I urge my neighbors to vote “Yes” to end the city’s outdated overnight parking ban. The current 4-hour restriction does little to serve the public good; it simply creates frustration and deepens inequity between those who have a driveway or garage and those who do not. A City policy should not penalize residents based on their housing type or lot size.
An arbitrary 4-hour ban for 4 months per year does not make our streets safer. It is a nuisance that no longer reflects how people live today. Families have multiple cars, multi-generational households are common, and not everyone has off-street parking options.
Concerns about snow removal or emergency access can be addressed through snow emergencies. That approach is fair, flexible, and focused on actual conditions, rather than enforcing a one-size-fits-all rule all year long.
For the vast majority of the year, this ban serves no purpose. Ending it would make life simpler, fairer, and more in line with how people actually use our streets.
A “Yes” vote is a vote for common sense, equity, and modernization. Let’s make Newton a city that works for everyone, all year long. Vote Yes.
Matt Mazer
West Newton
