(East Boston, February 16, 2015) - This week candidate for State Representative Adrian Madaro announced several policy initiatives to create more parking spaces as East Boston housing development booms.
“East Boston is fortunate that investors are creating much needed housing and jobs in our neighborhood” said Madaro. “With that development, however, comes the challenge of car congestion. South Boston failed to plan for increased car congestion during its growth and East Boston can’t afford to make the same mistake.”
Madaro proposed partially lifting the parking garage ban in East Boston thereby enabling private developers to build garages in presently industrial areas of the neighborhood, such as next to the Chelsea Street bridge. “In exchange for lifting the ban, private developers would have to offer discounted parking spots to East Boston residents and allow residents to use the garages during snow emergencies,” said Madaro. The garages would also be required to have chargers for electric vehicles and bike parking.
“Parking garages would help reduce the lack of parking in East Boston, especially during snow storms,” said East Boston resident Rashaun Martin. “If in the future car usage decreases, then the garages could be converted into other uses like for housing or business.”
Madaro also proposed exploring the redesign of East Boston streets for angled parking. “Striping the streets for angled parking is a more efficient use of space and could increase parking spots by 30%,” said Boston transportation expert and former East Boston resident Bob D’Amico. Madaro further pledged to explore siting smart parking meters in the neighborhood business districts to encourage car turnover. “As your State Representative, I will work to solve the current and anticipated parking problems and will develop creative solutions to benefit the quality of life of our residents.”
Adrian Madaro is a graduate of Boston Latin School and Tufts University where he also earned a Masters in Public Policy and Urban Planning. Adrian is an active member of the East Boston community, serving as a board member of the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, Vice President of the YMCA, President of the Harborside Community Council, Former Vice President of the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH), and Co-Chair and Founder of the Mario Umana Public Service Fellowship.
Source: Madaro Campaign
