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Commission approves multiple handicap parking requests; one applicant told approval must pass City Council
Summary
The commission approved several handicap parking applications (309 Spruce, 76 Highland, 63 Essex and removal at 855 Broadway) but explained approved signs must still advance to City Council and public advertising; one applicant, Yuri Kim of 943 Broadway, was told timeline could delay reinstatement until after council and advertisement processes.
The Chelsea Traffic and Parking Commission approved multiple handicap parking applications Tuesday, including requests for 309 Spruce Street, 76 Highland Street and 63 Essex Street, and approved removal of a handicap sign at 855 Broadway as requested by an applicant.
Commissioners discussed proximity of existing handicap spots, on-street layout and prior sign locations. On 309 Spruce Street, staff noted a sign had previously existed and the department will verify whether a sign remains; the commission voted to add a sign if it was absent.
Applicants spoke in support. Luis Martinez spoke for an absent applicant seeking a space at 63 Essex Street, noting his father is out of the country for treatment. Yuri Kim, the applicant for 943 Broadway, said two disabled spots had previously existed but “they just suddenly disappeared,” and described difficulty finding parking after the sign removal. The commission explained that parking-sign changes approved by the commission still proceed to City Council for final action and that state-required public advertising must occur; staff said that process typically takes about 30 days for advertisement after council approval. “By law, it has to be advertised. Unfortunately, in the paper,” a staff member said.
Commissioners approved the requests on motions recorded in the meeting. For Yuri Kim’s application, commissioners noted the panel could vote to approve the commission’s recommendation tonight, but that the applicant’s signs will not be reinstated on the street until after City Council approval and the required legal advertisement and processing; staff estimated the overall processing and advertisement could take roughly 30 days after council action.
The commission also noted that when an already-assigned handicap sign holder moves away and notifies the department, staff removes the sign; applicants were advised to follow the published application and documentation process to avoid delays.
