I am a strong proponent of lifting the 90-year-old overnight parking ban in the city of Newton. Change is hard; however, in this case, the benefits far outweigh any perceived or feared consequences, and for those who love Newton for the community it is and always has been, it’s just the right thing to do for our neighbors.

We know the ban disproportionately affects residents who do not have a private driveway or garage, live in multi-generational households or have overnight guests or home health aides. In 1936, most families did not yet own a car, while today, there are multiple cars per family, and even in private homes there is a need for ancillary parking. I see it in my neighborhood, and I would imagine it is true in yours as well.

How wasteful in this day and age, to constantly have to move one’s car in and out of the driveway, between the hours of 2-6 a.m. on a cold and clear wintry night for months, only to have to move it back out again? And IF IT snows, we move our cars. We Get It.

Whether it is the parking ban or something else, I believe the bottom line is openness to consider the needs of others. We should let City officials enforce proper parking ordinances without this outdated law and make room for our neighbors.

Martha Lipson
Waban