1984-01-BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

SELECTMEN'S MEETING �C-' J anuar .23 - 1984 � s .A regular meet of the Board of Selectmen was held in the Selectmen's Meeting Room,. Town office Building , on Monday, January 23, 1984, at 7:30 p .m . Chairman Politi, Mrs. Battin, Mr . Sacco, Mr. McLaughlin; Mr. Hutchinson, Town Manager; Mr. Cohen, -Town Counsel, Miss Adler, Assistant to the Town Manager and Mrs. Snow, Acting Executive Clerk, were present. Chairman Pol i t i opened the public hearing regarding changes in Parking Meriam St. Policy and Permits in the Meriam Street Parking Lot. The proposal, as recom- lot permit mended and unanimous supported by the Center Rev i tal i za t ion Committee, pre- parking viously presented on January 9 , had been tabled pending notification of all current permit holders in the lot. Walter Tonaszuck, Director of Public Works and Engineering, presented the proposed changes which would delete the entire reserved permit parking area in the lot and open the entire lot to ticket and seasonal permit passes. The permits would be pre - purchased and would eliminate the need to purchase a ticket each day, however no guarantee of a space would be offered as the entire lot would , be on a ' f irs t come -first served basis. Mr. Tonaszuck said the proposal was made to allow maximum benefit from a limited resource and noted observance of almost 50% of the reserved spaces unused, or used so infrequently that other parking needs are not being met. Under current practice, 90 permits are sold for the existing 67 spaces. Mr. Tonaszuck noted there there would be no significant increase in costs to parker s over the $156/year now charged for permits. Question was raised about the impact of the change in procedures on those who have paid to reserve space in the Meriam Street lot and now would have to wait in line, with no guarantee of a space. Subsequent discussion revealed that ther was some misunderstanding con- cerning certain aspects of the proposal. Mary Hastings, Leader Federal Bank, noted that the bank had bought 47 permits and under current use, there are occasions when no spaces are available, especially on . Fridays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. She questioned Mr. Tonaszuck's findings on the percentage of unused spaces. She saw no benefit in permit passes without guarantee of spaces. Richard Michelson, who had purchased passes in the Meriam St. lot for the use of his employees so as to free spaces near his store for customers, stated. his opposition. He advocated a survey on usage of the lot before any future in- crease in the number of passes sold. It was suggest that the proposal appeared to break faith with permit hold- ers. Mr. McLaughlin recommended Center Revitalization Committee reconsideration of the proposal and suggest a 1- -year phase -in period for any changes in policy, so that the Meriam Street - lot permit holders could be absorbed into other lots. Upon motion duly made and seconded., it was voted to refer the proposed traffic regulation changes in the Meriam Street lot back to the Center Revitali- zation Committee and to request that the Committee take under advisement the con- cerns which had been expressed. Mrs. Battin said the the C.R.C. could address the matter at its February 8 meeting and report to the Board on February 13,