Kiosk Parking on Humphrey Floated

Selectman David Van Dam is proposing paid parking on Humphrey Street for nonresidents to ensure that cars don't tie up spaces for long periods.

He estimates kiosk parking — between the Lynn line and the Fish House —  could generate $100,000 to $400,000 a year for the town.

Selectman Barry Greenfield wondered whether there is money to be made for the town, considering costs associated with enforcement.

Selectman Rich Malagrifa suggested the solution to the parking problem is greater enforcement of the current regulations, without installing kiosks.

The round-table discussion took place Tuesday at the board's regular meeting.

In the end members sent the idea to the town Traffic Study Committee, asking them to look at the entire range of paid parking possibilities.

Chairman Matt Strauss said any kiosk plan is a long ways off.

If the proposal does go forward it would need approval at Town Meeting in April, seeing as taxpayers would have to buy the kiosks, the chairman said.

Assistant Town Administrator Dave Castellarin estimated 30 kiosks would cost between $240,000 and $280,000, depending on the type of kiosk.

Two business owners wanted nothing to do with paid parking.

Bernard Newman, owner of Newman's Bakery, sees no reason to charge a customer to park in front of his bakery.

"We would like to live in peace with less government intrusion," he said.

Red Rock Bistro owner Paul Petersiel said there is little enforcement of the existing parking regulations on Humphrey — typically only when people complain.

Castellarin later responded that the town hears complaints when they enforce parking vigorously and, now, suggestions that more enforcement will solve the problem.

"Be careful what you ask for," he said.

The board asked for the traffic committee to return to the board with the results of their kiosk study in November.