The Traffic Council took the following actions (see the report and watch the meeting video). The items may be appealed through the close of business on November 5, 2025.
Approved
- Woodland Road parking changes (between Washington St and Windermere Rd, Auburndale) (5-0) Added this block to the Auburndale Village Parking District and created an “Auburndale Permit Only” zone on the south side (Forest Ave to ~80′ west of Washington St), while prohibiting parking on key north-side segments to keep travel lanes clear. Purpose: curb chronic congestion and ensure emergency access; signs to be installed after the appeal window closes on November 5.
- Staff parking permits in Newtonville (Austin St Municipal Lot) (5-0) Authorized 15 Cooper Center staff permits for the Austin St lot (in addition to existing Walnut Place permits), with ongoing monitoring to balance employee needs and customer turnover in nearby commercial areas. Councilor Wright opposed the request, she would rather staff had “a few parking spots” on the neighborhood streets. She stated both she and Councilor Malakie believe it is important for businesses to have customer parking in the Austin Street Lot. She also noted the home purchased nearby the Cooper Center was to be used for a green park and not vehicle parking.
- One-way loop designations (Waban Park & Walnut Park) (4-0, Councilor Downs not voting) The council voted to normalized the long-standing counterclockwise circulation so the Traffic & Parking Regulations match field conditions.
Denied
- Islington Road parking restrictions (between Commonwealth Ave and Ryder Terrace) (4-1, Mr. Fischman opposed) Residents submitted the request. After reviewing roadway width (generally 22–24′), existing conditions, and public comments, the Council voted to deny adding new restrictions at this time (4–1). Based on the City’s last traffic calming analysis, the area ranked low (190 out of 220 streets assessed). Members noted that administrative “near intersection” no-parking controls may still be used if needed, and that eligible parties may file an appeal.
No Action Necessary
- Short-term parking near Union Pharmacy (Newton Centre). (5-0) Members discussed the practicality of enforcement, curbside conflicts with in-street dining, and precedent. A motion for a 15-minute metered trial failed.
- Combined loading/parking zones (Herrick Rd & Union St) (5-0) Given enforcement and definition challenges (what counts as “delivery,” scheduling, and signage/programming), a proposed time-limited loading configuration did not advance. All addresses along Union Street and the relevant part of Herrick Road were notified of the item and the meeting. No emails received or public comments made.
Held
- Newton Centre “Triangle” Lot temporary plaza & offset parking (Langley Rd) (5-0) The Council voted to continue the long-term trial to the November 20 meeting. Planning summarized monitoring results from July 8 to August 10 of usage of the plaza and the green, business feedback, and offset parking on nearby streets. Community feedback was positive; local businesses desired more programming and expressed concerns about parking. Planning outlined further outreach before bringing specific follow-up proposals.
Attendees:
Voting members: David Koses (Chair, DPW), Ned Codd (DPW), Captain Dan Devine (Police), Councilor Downs, Mitchell Fischman (resident member).
Also present: Councilors Bixby, Block, Wright; Margot Spiller (alternate resident member).
City staff: Mignonne Murray (Older Adult Services), Evan Sooper (Parking), Jennifer Caira (Planning), Zack LeMel (Long-Range Planning), Hannah Sternburg (Outreach), Nora Masler Colello (Senior Planner), John Sisson (Economic Development), and Clerk Danielle Delaney.
