Danvers Parking Issue

On Tuesday night I watched the Danvers Select Board Meeting livestream on YouTube. I’ve indulged in similar local dramas before, though I’m usually sent to West Hartford.

On the docket was the stretch of Park Street between High and Berry Streets. You better bet your sweet behind all the concerned residents of Park and High and Berry were there.

It was clear that cars parked on the street were causing blocked driveways and difficult passage for drivers. Parking enforcement was not consistent. Turns out the town only has one part-time woman doing it.

(Did you know the 25mph speed limit signs with lights around them cost $1,500 apiece?)

One disgruntled Select Board Member wanted to eliminate the street parking altogether, about four spots. He compromised and made a motion to change them to the other side of the street, which was then seconded. The leader of the Select Board questioned the prudence of doing so without inviting input from all potential stakeholders of the four public parking spots. After much discussion, an older disgruntled Select Board Member suggested eliminating the street parking altogether. “That’s what I said in the first place!” The first disgruntled Select Board Member proclaimed. His idea was gaining momentum, but first they had to unanimously vote down his original motion, because it had been seconded. Then, around 9:45pm, by some small miracle, they voted unanimously to get rid of the street parking altogether.

“Is that all for this agenda item?” Another Member asked.

“No.” Replied the Member in the pink blazer. “We’re not even close.”