Cohasset Select Board debates study vs. electronic parking to ease downtown shortages

At the June 30 Select Board meeting, local residents and business representatives pressed the board for immediate action to address limited parking in Cohasset’s village, while board members weighed commissioning a new study to gather data.

Tim Davis, a resident of 257 Atlantic Avenue, argued that “the town does not need another parking study and should instead implement an electronic parking system to manage parking behavior and generate revenue.” Sean Cunning, who said his wife owns Balance Studio in the village, added that “business owners should have a say in parking limits,” raising concerns about employees and realtors occupying spaces all day.

Police Chief William Quigley told the board that the town’s enforcement data indicate a volume problem rather than enforcement failure: “2,600 parking tickets were issued town-wide in 18 months,” he said, and suggested several near-term corrections including redesigning the town lot, repainting lines and updating signage. At the same time, Chief Quigley recommended that the Select Board consider commissioning the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) for a new parking study to quantify demand and options.

Select Members Greg Watts and William (Will) Ashton voiced support for commissioning MAPC to obtain current data; Select Member Ellen Maher said the town lot could be optimized immediately but favored a broader, comprehensive plan. Town Manager Michelle Leary said she had already contacted MAPC for a cost proposal. The board agreed to wait for the MAPC proposal before scheduling a public forum with business owners and residents to discuss next steps.

The discussion will return to a future meeting once the MAPC cost estimate is available and the Select Board schedules the public forum.