Neighbors ask for resident‑only parking on Tewksbury Street; council sends petition to police for analysis

Residents of Tewksbury Street urged the Ordinance Committee on Jan. 13 to approve resident‑only parking for the middle section of the dead‑end block, citing repeated parking congestion, winter plowing problems and safety concerns.

Susan, who lives at 24 Tewksbury St., said the narrow dead‑end is frequently obstructed by parked cars and that plows only clear the middle of the street, leaving high snowbanks that make driveway access difficult. Cesar (recorded as Cecil) Lebron, who lives at 16 Tewksbury St., said the unlit block attracts people who drink and loiter at night and that restricting parking to residents would improve safety. Howard Brooks, another resident at 16 Tewksbury St., said blocked access has impeded ambulance access to his house and other emergency responses.

Councilors discussed using the city’s standard resident‑parking window (7 p.m.–7 a.m.) and emphasized enforcement as essential to any restriction’s success. Councilor Gregor del Rosario urged neighbors to call traffic controls when violations occur; the committee agreed that enforcement is inconsistent and requires citizen reporting.

After public comment and council discussion, the committee moved and approved sending petition 4‑94‑25 to the Lawrence Police Department for analysis, with the motion carried by roll call. The committee recommended the police and, as appropriate, DPW evaluate the feasibility and recommend hours and enforcement protocols before the matter goes to full council.

Next steps: the petition will be reviewed by the Lawrence Police Department and DPW and returned to the council with analysis and recommended regulatory language or enforcement options.