Inadequate parking is an ongoing issue for those who need spaces at Somerville High School and along Highland Ave., according to many concerned Somerville citizens.

By Kyle Dante

In a follow-up to its November agenda, a public hearing took place on February 24 with the Somerville Traffic Board.

Somerville is felt by many to have inadequate parking. For example, during the construction of the renovated Somerville High School (SHS), teachers had no available staff parking. In addition, the pilot proposal left hundreds affected by parking limitations. These factors resulted in a public petition being brought to the City Council in November of 2021.

Two studies were conducted concerning the changes to SHS and Central Hill parking. Brad Rawson, Director of Mobility in Strategic Planning, pointed out that the studies show a high demand for campus-related parking. As a result, since spring of 2017 the Traffic Board took steps to accommodate people affected by reduced parking on residential streets.

Previous efforts have led to some positive results. There was a 30% increase in utilizing the MBTA, notably on Route 90, increasing transit use. Subsequently, the city funded free transit passes for SHS students, with all 1,400 students receiving free M-7 Charlie Cards. The cards allow for unlimited public transportation, including trains, buses, and bikes, throughout the school year.

At the same time, several ongoing issues persisted. In April 2019, Somerville attempted to lease off-street parking in the neighborhood for city workers and teachers. There was no success in soliciting proposals from private property owners. The construction project placed a satellite parking pilot between Winter Hill and East Somerville. The satellite site, located at Foss Park and Cobble Hill, showed little success. The same situation was experienced with “zonal parking” for City Hall workers, increasing demand for even more parking spaces.

There are several upcoming opportunities for improvement, including 13 approved approximate on-street spaces at Medford St. and about 20 approved for School St. during bridge construction. The MBTA Green Line Extension is slated to provide new transit service this year. Additionally, it will take steps to provide a subsidized transit pass program. Lastly, the Community Path been extended for student travel, the City Hall workforce, and visitors.

However, the construction and rulings remain controversial, specifically with the Central Hill Campus parking zone. Permits for City Hall and teachers go from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m., with all others after 9:00 a.m. It will not increase capacity but ensure predictability in lessening heavily used streets.

During the meeting, approximately 20 residents spoke during the public hearing. Most were from Highland Ave. and were frustrated.

“It’s a disservice to the educators and residents,” said Denise of Highland Ave.

“We did not opt to lose our parking,” said one SHS educator.

Highland Ave. has limited parking and does not fully accommodate local citizens. It blocks off seniors in need of access to deliveries. Resident owners potentially face fines for something they have no control over. Teachers need their parking too and are relegated to a small lot.

It is not an ideal situation and needs adjustment, with the public’s input considered. Somerville High School has a large field that can be converted into a temporary parking area. Several residents feel it is a worthwhile solution for everyone. The Traffic Board will have a follow-up meeting to continue this discussion in the spring.