Parking limits to be enforced in Lenox

LENOX – A new parking regime has been put into place, which promises to have a significant impact on those who work in and visit the town.

Parking has been a topic of discussion for the select board since last fall, when then Board of Selectmen Chairman Kenneth L. Fowler raised the issue, and Selectmen Edward P. Lane and W. David Roche agreed to study it.

The consensus on the board has been unlimited on-street parking, particularly by employees, is hurting business in Lenox, and the town’s parking limits should once again be enforced.

At a special meeting on June 5, after talking about the issue for three straight previous meetings, the selectmen voted to put the framework for this enforcement into place.

Selectman Lane explained that, after talking with the police chief and the department of public works superintendent, he and Chairman Roche had determined the best course of action would be to place four signs outlining the bylaw around town.

The bylaw mandates two-hour parking from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and by posting it, the town will once again be able to enforce it.

As for where those desiring longer stays could park, Selectman Lane pointed out the parking lots behind Berkshire Bank, behind town hall and near the tennis courts all had all-day parking: “There are places around, people will figure it out.”

The selectmen also touched on the issue of safety, specifically in regards to the Berkshire Bank parking lot, which can get quite dark.

Chairman Roche said they were working on bringing better lighting to that area, and the bylaw wouldn’t force people to park in the all day lots at night.

“It’s day time parking that we’re primarily concerned with,” he said. “We’re not asking people to go there at 1 [a.m.].”

As for how the bylaw would be enforced, Chairman Roche said Police Chief Stephen O’Brien would hire a police explorer for $300 a week to come in part-time and enforce it on a random schedule.

The money for this enforcement will be drawn from economic development funds, as it will supposedly effect businesses positively.

It was also noted the job would not be easy.

“We’re throwing that explorer…into a tough position,” said Selectman John McNinch. “Sometimes that person is going to be confronted by angry people.”

Selectman Fowler thanked the board for acting on the issue, but warned it would face opposition: “This is not popular. You’re going to hear a hue and cry.”

As for employee parking, Chairman Roche raised the possibility of reserving spaces for them in all-day parking areas if parking became an issue for them: “We can try it if we have a problem.”

Employers will be sent a letter from the selectmen informing them of the new policy, and Chief O’Brien will visit with them to answer any questions they might have about it.

“If we make anything, we’ll be lucky,” said Chairman Roche, who said the new policy was about turning over parking spaces and not about generating revenue.

He also said he hoped business owners would be supportive of the policy, as it was made to help them: “We’re not doing it to penalize them, we’re doing it for their benefit.”

Selectman Fowler suggested violators of the bylaw first be given a warning, but Chairman Roche said that he didn’t want to micromanage the police chief.

“I don’t want to tie his hands,” the chairman said.

The board unanimously voted for the parking plan, although Selectman McNinch griped about the cost of hiring an explorer: “I still think we’re paying too much.”

Such a price is mandated by state law.

The selectmen estimated that the new regime will take effect by July 1.

Posted by Bera B. Dunau on June 13, 2013. Filed under Community News,News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry