Council clash over Blaney Street parking prohibition ends with measure defeated

A proposal to prohibit parking on Blaney Street, introduced as a resident‑safety measure, collapsed on Nov. 13 after an acrimonious council debate in which multiple members questioned the process and motives behind the order.

Councilor Jerzell framed the measure as a public‑safety and pedestrian‑safety change, saying Blaney Street’s narrow configuration and high seasonal traffic made parking unsafe. “This order is about protecting residents, protecting pedestrians, and maintaining public safety in a very congested and high traffic area,” he said.

Several councilors objected to the timing and to what they characterized as the order’s origin. Councilor Hepworth said the proposal looked like an interpersonal dispute and called on colleagues to “avoid personalities.” Councilor Cohen said the matter was “inappropriate” and suggested elected officials should not use their positions to advance personal agendas. Councilor Watsonfeld and others noted the item lacked visible backup materials and said the transportation department, the VFW and neighborhood businesses did not appear to have been sufficiently consulted.

The exchange escalated into sharp language: Councilor Jerzell told colleagues he had been consulting with the harbor master and police and said he was “very offended” by criticism; another councilor called colleagues “hypocrites” during the exchange. The chair intervened to call for a return to facts.

After debate the council voted and the measure did not carry.

What happened next: Councilors proposed that items removing neighborhood parking should be discussed in public forums (Transportation Commission or committee) before seeking ordinance adoption. The transcript records calls for greater process and more departmental backup on future resident‑driven parking changes.