I’m voting YES to repeal Newton’s overnight winter parking ban. Not because proponents are wrong—they’re not. Those narrow Nonantum streets ARE difficult year-round. Developers SHOULD provide adequate parking. Our 13 villages ARE different and shouldn’t be treated identically.

That’s exactly why this ban needs to go.

The current policy is itself a sweeping mandate—enacted when Newton looked nothing like it does today—and applied uniformly across neighborhoods that today are wildly different. It’s the opposite of the nuanced plan opponents claim to want.

Both sides have legitimate concerns. The ban is inequitable. It’s outdated considering today’s forecasting technology.

It begets the question: who’s right? But the answer is a distraction. We should be asking: why aren’t city councilors creating a better solution? They could limit residential permits per household, eliminate parking on narrow streets, and mandate minimum parking-to-unit ratios for developers.

But they’re not because that stirs the pot and takes work.

Vote YES because our elected officials need to listen to their constituents and design regulations that reflect their needs. Vote YES because parking is complex. Our 13 villages deserve to be heard—not bluntly disregarded.

David Johnson-Igra
Auburndale