Watertown council hears hours of testimony on petition to limit winter overnight parking ban

The Watertown City Council held a special public hearing on a citizen petition to amend the city’s winter overnight parking ban, drawing more than two hours of testimony from residents who described competing concerns about safety, equity and accessibility.

The petition, submitted to the council, asks the city to change Title 7, Chapter 73, Article 5 (sections 73‑505 and 73‑511) so the ban takes effect only when a significant snow or ice storm is forecast or when there is a significant accumulation of snow or ice. The council did not vote to change the ordinance at the meeting; instead members closed the hearing, heard remarks from city public‑safety and public‑works officials, and directed staff to study the issue further in the context of the city’s existing planning work.

Why it matters: Residents who lack off‑street parking said the year‑long enforcement imposes financial, safety and mobility burdens on renters, parents with young children, people with disabilities and overnight shift workers. Opponents of repeal warned that removing the ban would impede snow removal and emergency access, and could increase pavement and private driveway paving that harms stormwater and green space.

Residents’ testimony

Speakers who favor amending or repealing the ban described everyday hardships. Janice Provencher, who said she collected neighborhood signatures, told the council:…