Published in the October 7, 2019 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Tonight’s Town Council agenda features several reports related to the downtown business district, including one on parking enforcement.
The Town Council will also hear a report from Board of Health members, who will update Councilors regarding their projects and undertakings as part of an ongoing initiative for improved communication between Town Council and committees, boards and commissions.
Councilors will review and discuss a report on the stepped up parking enforcement that began over the summer. The report shows an over 200 percent increase in parking tickets issued in August 2019 compared to August 2018, most of which were issued in and around the downtown business district. The report also shows a dramatic increase in revenues generated from parking fines. In addition, a sharp increase in the number of merchant and residential parking passes was reported.
The report describes the program as “an overall success,” resulting in more ample parking for customers in the business districts.
Also on tonight’s agenda is a discussion of a report from Police Chief Steven Skory on how the downtown benches could be reconfigured to discourage unwanted gathering. There have been issues related to public drinking and harassment of downtown shoppers as a result of some of the groups congregating around the benches.
The Town Council will also receive an update on the town’s “Emergency Fund,” which was established in 2018 to provide assistance to Wakefield residents who are facing difficult situations.
