I am a longtime resident of Newton. The winter parking ban places an unwanted burden on too many residents, especially if municipal parking lots are not near their houses (which applies to most of Newton).

As people get older, many residents who are either sick or elderly need around the clock care. If they do not have a driveway—or a large enough driveway—then caregivers or visiting nurses cannot stay overnight.

Residents who have to work at their offices or jobs late into the night where on-site parking is not available are forced to park on the street. The winter parking ban interferes with their livelihood.

If a resident has a small driveway, when their college age or adult children come to visit with their cars, there is no place for them to park. It makes family visits in the winter highly problematic.

And let’s not forget there are lots of Newton residents who have no driveways and do not live near a municipal parking lot. What are they to do if they need a car? The winter parking ban needs to be abolished.

Allen Katzoff
Newton Highlands