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Traffic Council denies curbside accessible parking request at 17–19 Beach Street
Summary
The Newton Traffic Council denied a request to create a curbside accessible parking space in front of 17–19 Beach Street, citing lack of petitioner presence and questions about driveway access and proximity to an existing accessible space. The applicant may file an appeal within 20 days.
Chair David Koses opened discussion of AP226, a petition (recommended by the Commission on Disability) asking for a curbside accessible parking space in front of 17–19 Beach Street in Nonantum. Koses said the request had been reviewed by the Commission on Disability and displayed photos of the property and the requested on‑street space.
Council members raised several concerns. Mitch Fishman said the application lacked details about household parking and whether the applicant could use an existing driveway; Councilor Lucas noted assessor records showing surface parking behind the house and said the petitioner’s absence made the council hesitant to remove public curbspace. The council also observed an existing accessible space nearby that the petitioner might be able to use.
Councilor Lucas moved to approve the request, citing the Commission on Disability recommendation and the lack of on‑site opposition. In roll call, Captain Divine voted no; Mitch Fishman and Councilor Lucas voted yes; Jeff Nettleton and Chair David Koses voted no. The motion failed by a 3–2 margin and the council recorded a denial.
Koses told the meeting that the petitioner has a 20‑day window to file an appeal; if appealed the matter would transfer to the Public Safety & Transportation committee for a final determination. The chair also said staff would notify the law department to ensure the petitioner understands appeal procedures.
This decision removes the immediate path to creating the curbside accessible space; any future action depends on an appeal or a new petition with additional on‑the‑ground documentation or petitioner testimony.
