Committee approves new school‑hour parking limits, 15‑minute space at South Main

The City of Fall River ordinances committee on June 23 approved amended parking restrictions intended to improve school‑day traffic flow and a 15‑minute timed space for a convenience store on South Main.

The committee amended a proposed traffic ordinance to make restricted parking seasonal, directing signage to read September 1 through June 30, after members said the restriction is intended to operate during the school year. Stephanie MacArthur, director of traffic and parking, described the problem as teachers and parent drop‑offs obstructing bus movements near the new school location.

MacArthur told the committee the proposed restrictions apply to a set of listed locations (Pitman, Richmond, Smith, Stanley, Wade, Woodman and others) and explained that typical bay spacing is about 20 feet per vehicle. Vice President Dion and several councilors supported the seasonal amendment to limit the restriction to months when students are in session.

Separately the committee approved a 15‑minute curb space at 1552 South Main (AP Convenience Store) after discussing how 76 feet of curb allows for roughly three to four parking spaces depending on layout. The committee split the ordinance into sections and voted to adopt section two covering the South Main time‑limit.

Both the handicap‑parking location adjustments and the split sections were moved and approved through routine roll calls. The committee recorded the motions to adopt the listed handicap parking removals and to pass several sections through their first readings.

The committee’s actions mean the city will update signage and publish the amended restrictions; specifics on installation timing were not provided. The committee did not discuss additional enforcement measures tied to the parking changes. The committee adjourned after completing its agenda.