Alston Brighton plans to reinstate residential parking program amid enforcement staffing increase

The Boston City Council's Ways & Means meeting on May 20, 2025, addressed several key issues, including residential parking concerns in the Alston-Brighton area. The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by residents on Brainerd Road, who are unable to park on their own street due to overnight parking restrictions imposed by neighboring Brookline.

Council members expressed the need to reinstate the Residential Parking Permit (RPP) program to alleviate these parking issues. A councilor noted that the influx of vehicles from Brookline has created significant parking difficulties for Boston residents.

In response, city officials reported positive developments in parking enforcement, including an increase in staffing levels, particularly during the overnight shift when parking violations are most prevalent. They indicated that these changes have begun to positively impact the enforcement of parking regulations.

City officials also shared their plans to restart the RPP program, potentially as early as later this year or early next year, contingent upon reaching adequate staffing levels for effective enforcement. They emphasized the importance of addressing parking challenges in Alston-Brighton, which has a population and area size comparable to the city of Somerville.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring the situation and to prioritize the implementation of the RPP program to support local residents.