The Public Safety & Transportation Committee approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video):
- Update to parking fines (7-0) to keep Newton’s schedule in line with nearby cities, especially for unsafe and sight-line–blocking violations. A new fine of $25 has been added for parking in a bike lane. Fines increased from $15 to $25 for parking over a curb, within an intersection, parking on a sidewalk, and in a passing traffic lane. Fines for overtime parking increased from $15 to $20. Fine increased from $20 to $25 for parking in a restricted area.
- Residential and visitor parking permits (7-0) approved subject to second call and referral to Finance to make every permit type $25 (residential and visitor) so the program is clearer and more equitable, while explicitly preserving existing free permits issued through Traffic Council to school and Senior Center staff. Committee members noted this will also reduce the huge in-person volume from residents who previously came just for free visitor passes.
The Committee took No Action Necessary on:
- Global review of parking-fine categories (7-0) (older docket item). The update to parking fines above achieves the immediate policy goal.
Present: Councilors Grossman (Chair), Downs, Lucas, Bixby, Block, Greenberg, and Wright
Absent: Councilor Lipof
City Staff: Captain Daniel Devine, Newton Police Department; David Koses, Transportation
Coordinator, DPW; and Assistant City Solicitor Jennifer Wilson
