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Commission approves no-parking signs on Hollis Street in front of AutoBright after business owners, councilors cite safety concerns
Summary
The Framingham Traffic Commission voted unanimously Jan. 28 to install no-parking signs on the west side of Hollis Street between Boris Way and Claflin Street, a measure intended to keep driveway entrances clear and improve sight lines for vehicles and emergency apparatus.
The Framingham Traffic Commission voted unanimously at its Jan. 28 meeting to install no-parking signs on the west side of Hollis Street between Boris Way and Claflin Street, the block in front of AutoBright (105 Hollis St.).
Commissioners said the signs are intended to address a recurring safety issue: vehicles parking along the curb adjacent to AutoBright’s driveways have, according to the business owner and several councilors, obstructed safe entry and exit and once blocked passage for a fire apparatus.
Patrick Mcceso, owner of AutoBright, said parked vehicles “are there all day” and that drivers exiting the business often must “nose out into traffic” to see oncoming vehicles. He showed photos to illustrate cars parked in front of entrances and described instances when larger vehicles could not easily maneuver past parked cars.
City Council members and neighborhood representatives supported the request. Councilor Leslie White Harvey, whose district includes the site, told the commission she walks the area frequently and urged action “because it's a safety issue.” Former City Council chair Philip Arviani also described photo documentation and said police had previously recommended stronger enforcement.
Police and fire representatives cautioned that converting curb space to a tow-zone across the city could set a broad precedent and requires supervisory authorization for towing. The police noted towing requires significant officer involvement and recommended starting with a narrower change (no parking) focused on the immediate safety hazard. DPW staff noted winter ground conditions could delay physical post installation.
The commission’s motion, moved by Commissioner Lincoln Lynch and seconded by a commissioner identified in the record as Chris, directed staff to prepare the no-parking signage for the west side of Hollis Street (between Boris and Claflin) as depicted in the meeting materials. The decision will be forwarded to City Council for approval and then advertised per statutory requirements before DPW installs signs. The commission authorized up to $300 to pay for required legal advertising.
Commissioners said they would revisit the measure in six months if it did not reduce the problem.
Next steps: Staff will prepare the required legal advertisement and submit the item to the City Council. DPW will schedule sign installation once Council approval is received and ground conditions permit.
Votes and record: The motion to install no-parking signs on Hollis Street passed by unanimous roll call among the commissioners present. The record shows a unanimous roll-call vote in favor.
