Highlands parking plan OK’d

Published in the February 5, 2016 edition

MELROSE — With the completion of the Melrose Highlands renovation project, the Melrose Traffic Commission recently approved updates to the parking plan for the Melrose Highlands neighborhood.

Newly installed signs now direct drivers to park according to this plan, which was approved by the city’s Traffic Commission in December after several public meetings and hearings throughout the summer and fall.

The intent of this new plan is to accommodate and balance the needs of local businesses, commuters and property owners alike, by providing both short and long-term parking in locations that are safe and logical, all while maintaining commuter parking.

This new configuration includes the following:

• An increase in the total number of legal parking spots from 207 to 220

• Legal, marked commuter parking spaces increased from 74 to 78 , between the main parking lot and additional marked spaces on Belmont Street.

• Public parking spots for the business district increased from 97 to 107.

• Pedestrian safety and aesthetics improvements of the project such as sidewalk “curb extentions” at crosswalks and enhanced signage on Franklin Street. These improvements, along with the addition of bicycle pavement markings and reduced speed limits, are aimed at providing a safer environment for all modes of transportation.

• All commuter rail parking has been moved to the inbound side. This promotes safety by not having commuters crossing the tracks in front of the inbound train they are trying to catch, which has been a prior safety concern.

• Three-hour parking has been added on Marvin Road to accommodate longer-term retail needs, as requested by several neighborhood businesses.

City officials appreciate residents’ adherence to the posted signs and hope that they facilitate residents’ ability to shop, dine, work, commute and reside in the Melrose Highlands neighborhood. Questions may be directed to the DPW Engineering Division at 781-979-4172 or the Melrose Police Department, Traffic Division at 781-665-1212.