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New Milford mayor proposes ending seasonal overnight parking suspension; council to consider ordinance
Summary
Mayor proposed suspending the borough's seasonal 2 a.m.–5 a.m. overnight parking prohibition and allowing on‑street parking year‑round on streets without other restrictions; council approved placing an ordinance on the next agenda after neighbors raised litter, density and accessibility concerns.
Mayor Michael Patrino told the council he would like to end the current system of suspending overnight parking for parts of the year and allow on‑street parking year‑round on most streets, excluding those with special restrictions or snow‑emergency rules.
"Do away with the ordinance and permit overnight parking all the time," the mayor said, arguing the change would reduce enforcement time for police and simplify rules for residents.
Council members acknowledged potential benefits — easing parking for families and residents with multiple vehicles — but several raised neighborhood concerns. Members pointed to complaints about littering, concentrated parking near apartment complexes and the difficulty elderly or mobility‑limited residents face walking from distant parking spots.
A Brookchester tenant who spoke during public comment described the situation near her building as worsening: "The parking at the Brookchester has become absolutely ridiculous," Charlotte Egan said, citing long walks to reach a parked car and a shortage of accessible spaces.
Council members said the borough is working with the Brookchester property owner to add on‑site parking but cannot compel private property changes. The mayor and council voted to place an ordinance on the next meeting agenda to suspend the 2 a.m.–5 a.m. prohibition on streets that do not already have other parking restrictions, and they noted that snow‑related and other special restrictions would remain in force.
Why it matters: The proposed change would shift longstanding parking policy, affecting residents who rely on curb parking and those who have complained about tenant overuse of neighborhood spaces. Council discussions balanced enforcement efficiency and equity for residents with the need for local, street‑level exemptions.
Next steps: Draft ordinance to be prepared for consideration at the next meeting; specifics on streets exempted from the change to be decided by the council.
