Another Kind of Parking Space Saver…

Is a car stored in a parking space another type of space saver in use in Boston? 

Obviously, these people didn't shovel out these resident parking spaces. But, they are the only ones who can use them. Some of these spaces will be tied up for a long time, a few until the big melt takes care of all that snow.

At first, I thought that yellow paper stuck to each car was a parking ticket for not clearing the resident sticker. But, it was actually an offer to clear the car by a snow removal service.

Yesterday, Universal Hub reported that, "The city has agreed to a request from South End neighborhood groups to completely ban the practice of space saving after winter storms."

That kicked off another storm of comments about this very touchy subject.

Update: After I posted this Adam over at Univeral Hub created a new post, How come Boston doesn't charge for residential parking permits?That had brought out even more opinions on this topic. Welcome to all of you who landed here from that story.

I don't own a car so this issue doesn't really impact me. But, it did make me curious about what other cities charge for resident parking.

Philadelphia recently increased the cost of their residential permits. (Click here for full information.)

The annual fee for a permit is per household:
1st vehicle permit $35.00;
2nd vehicle permit $50.00;
3rd vehicle permit $75.00;
4 or more vehicle permits $100.00 each.

San Francisco charges $109 annually for a resident permit. (Click here for full information.)

Washington DC charges residents $35 a year and students $338 a year. (Click here for full information.)

New York doesn't have a residential parking program, but they do have the infamous alternate side parking regulation that means that on some streets cars have to be moved each day.

Update: One of the commenters over at Universal Hub mentioned Cambridge. 

Cambridge MA charges $25 for resident parking permits unless you are age 65 plus or have a disability plate or placard (Click here for full information.)

Is it time to take a fresh look at the Boston residential parking program?

Would you get rid of one or more cars if you had to pay for a resident parking permit?

Would year-round street sweeping, that would allow public works to clear snow to the curb on street sweeping days, be a good idea?

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Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino