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Charlton board adopts interim no‑overnight‑parking policy, forms bylaw working group
Summary
After a debate about liability and impacts on residents, the Select Board adopted an interim policy banning overnight parking on municipal lots with a $20 fine and approved forming a working group to draft bylaw language for a future town meeting.
The Charlton Select Board on Nov. 18 adopted an interim Select Board policy prohibiting overnight parking on municipal parking lots, authorizing enforcement under an existing $20‑per‑day fine, and directed town staff to form a working group to draft formal bylaw language for a future town meeting.
Select Board member David Singer pressed the motion, citing past incidents and liability concerns. “If damage occurs, we're liable,” Singer said while urging the board to post signage and adopt the policy as a short‑term protection pending bylaw codification. Singer described the measure as a “band‑aid” until members can bring a codified bylaw to town meeting.
The chair voiced caution about the policy’s possible effects on elderly or disabled residents who may use municipal lots for long‑term parking and urged additional outreach before enforcement. The board discussed posting clear signage to give residents notice of the change. Singer said the board can rescind the policy by majority vote if adjustments are needed.
The board also approved a second motion to convene a working group to review the relevant bylaw chapters (discussed as chapter 180 and chapter 185 in the meeting) and prepare a proposed bylaw to present at town meeting in spring. Members agreed the interim policy could be enforced immediately and that formal bylaw changes would be scheduled for the spring town meeting cycle.
