Parking

Winter On-street Parking Ban

Recently there has been some interest in the community in repealing the Winter on-street parking ban, but the city administration believes that this would only work if the regulation is replaced with a new regulatory system for curbside management that is calibrated for Watertown’s needs and does not simply give away public curb space for free on a year-round all-day basis. This is a key issue which this study seeks to address. The City Manager discussed the challenges of this request in a series of statements focused on the three main issues that should be considered: 1) Public Safety, 2) City Operations, and 3) Long Range Planning.

Watertown Parking Management Plan

a row of cars parked in front of a storeWatertown has developed a Parking Management Plan for Watertown Square and Coolidge Square. The Plan takes a fresh look at the existing parking supply, demand for parking, and creative ways to satisfy parking needs. Parking is an important tool in supporting Watertown's commercial centers. Good parking policies can make these retail centers more user friendly and welcoming.

The Plan makes recommendations to improve parking, such as:

  • Changes that could better manage parking and meet ongoing demand
  • Consistent and easy to understand regulations
  • Improved meter technology
  • Opportunities for shared parking
  • Options for enforcement
  • Other ways to support healthy and successful commercial centers

Executive Summary & Strategies

Draft recommendations (PDF) were presented to the Council Committees on Economic Development and Planning and Public Works on August 27, 2019. See the full presentation (PDF) here. 

Public Process

The Project Team collected input from residents and the business community through an online survey and two initial public meetings in January, 2019. The public input as well as data collection by the project team resulted in an Existing Conditions Report (PDF). A meeting to present draft strategies to the public was held Tuesday, May 7 at 7 pm at the Watertown Public Library.

Resources

In January, 2019 the community had the opportunity to see data on parking supply and occupancy, and give feedback on their experiences and preferences. 

Project Team

  • Planter Next to RoadProject Consultant: Ralph DeNisco, Stantec
  • Project Contact: Zeke Mermell, Department of Community Development and Planning
  • Sgt. David Sampson, Police Traffic Division
  • Sean DelRose, Treasurer-Collector's Office

For more information, email Zeke Mermell, Senior Transportation Planner or call at 617-972-6417.