Westbrook is considering setting aside a number of public parking lots to accommodate residents without off-street parking during the winter parking ban on public streets.
As many as 17 lots could be made available to residents in an effort to accommodate residents, particularly those who live on the northern side of the Saccarappa River in congested areas such as Frenchtown. The move comes after a renewed debate in what has been an ongoing issue in the city for years.
“I sympathize with the folks on the other side of the river,” said Mayor Bruce Chuluda at a meeting of the Public Safety Committee on Monday.
Chuluda said he is in favor of making new lots, although he is against removing the Nov. 15 to April 15 overnight parking ban on public streets. “It’s not my sense in the last three years that we’re deluged with complaints,” he said.
In recent weeks, Westbrook residents have spoken out for a change to the ban, however. North Street resident Constance Mailman presented the committee with a petition signed by 70 of her neighbors at Monday’s meeting. While talk of eliminating a winter parking ban has cropped up, Mailman said, she thought the creation of new lots would alleviate the problem, making it more convenient and safe for residents.
“I’d like to see us have complete parking in our neighborhood for people who need some place safe, not just convenient, but safe,” said Mailman. “I think more lots would do it in the neighborhood.”
At the request of the committee, the administration researched the policies of other communities similar in size to Westbrook and made a recommendation. That recommendation was to keep the parking ban in place, but add lots to accommodate extra parking. Other communities such as South Portland, Sanford and Auburn had similar bans from November to April.
Potential winter parking sites include several city-owned lots on Main Street, Brown Street and Church Street, as well as two church parking lots.
The Public Safety Committee took no action on adding lots for public parking on Monday night. However, the administration plans to bring an action before the Westbrook City Council in the coming weeks.
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