Sanford Avenue residents press council for permit parking; mayor proposes townwide referendum

A large group of Sanford Avenue residents addressed the council seeking permanent permit parking for their block, saying spillover from neighboring municipalities and nonresident parking leave them without space. Speakers described long-term parking pressure, tenants without driveways, and repeated parking complaints. One resident said the proposed lottery-based allotment of 21 spaces is insufficient and asked how enforcement would prevent repeat overnight parking by out-of-town vehicles.

Council members and the mayor heard the testimony and discussed prior permit programs. The mayor noted permit parking had been used in the past and proposed placing the question on a townwide referendum so all voters can decide whether to adopt a permit-parking program more broadly. Council members said earlier municipal studies had shown mixed results and that a townwide vote would clarify policy. The parking committee chair and other council members said the subject had been discussed at length in committee; some asked that the parking committee include residents in ongoing deliberations.

Residents said they want a practical remedy — not merely study — while officials cautioned that permit parking addresses distribution of street space but cannot by itself create new curb space. Multiple commenters urged stronger enforcement of illegal apartments and basement rentals they said drive demand for on-street parking; town staff responded that code enforcement investigates complaints but noted constitutional and procedural limits to immediate inspections.

The mayor said he would move to place the permit-parking question on a referendum and promised staff would continue parking-committee work and return with options and enforcement detail. No immediate ordinance implementing a permit program was adopted at the meeting.