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More than 25 residents from the affected streets spoke at the public hearing, with more opposed than in favor and many with suggestions on how to improve the legislation.
Sarah Grabel, of 2 Washington Square, said a full-time nanny cares for her two children weekdays and requires parking in the area.
“Without this flexibility and her ability to park we probably wouldn’t be able to live in the area anymore. It could be detrimental to our way of life,” she said.
The proposed law would issue permits at $25 per car to residents of Washington Square, Old Jefferson Street, a section of North Chatsworth Avenue and Murray Avenue between Myrtle Boulevard and Leafy Lane. It would limit parking to three hours for non-residents from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Several took issue with the fee, calling it a tax.
The law, as it is written now, would allow caregivers for the elderly to get a permit and provide exemptions to public utility vehicles and contractors working in the area. Grabel asked the town council if it could also accommodate babysitters in the local law. Others asked how the board would accommodate cleaners, electricians, plumbers and building employees.
While many were opposed to the three-hour parking restriction, there are currently three-hour limits in the area. Altieri said they are enforced sporadically because the town doesn’t have a parking enforcement officer. As a result, commuters taking the train often park their cars on these streets.
Some, like Charles Horgan of 21 North Chatsworth Ave., said the commuters don’t take up every spot during the day and that the proposed legislation is “in search of problem.” Another resident, John Irving, had a different take.
“I’ve circled six to seven times trying to find a parking place, finally putting it in the three-hour spot and praying the officer is in a god frame of mind when he comes around the next day,” he said.
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