Parking Panel Holds Off Permit Fee Changes
Newton's Public Safety and Transportation Committee held off on changing residential parking permit fees after data showed the new $25 charge already cut requests sharply.
Other Committee · Meeting of October 7, 2026
Newton's Public Safety and Transportation Committee held off on changing residential parking permit fees after data showed the new $25 charge already cut requests sharply. Captain Catherine Devine of the Newton Police Department said the city issued 965 permits so far in 2026, down 370 from 1,335 in 2025, after eliminating free visitor passes. Councilor Jacob Silber called for striking an obsolete ordinance clause limiting stickers to vehicles under "two and one-half tons," saying "I hate having stuff in something that we're just not following as a rule and not enforcing." Councilor Golden proposed a buy-one-get-one fee model; Councilors Randy Block and Pam Wright argued instead for modernizing the police department's check-or-money-order-only payment process.
Councilor Sean Roach flagged unclear ordinance language on where visitor permits may be used. The committee voted 7-0 to hold the item.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,212 words
Source: the Other Committee meeting of October 7, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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