City Councilor Ed Flynn has called for a hearing to explore a neighborhood-wide, seven-day, resident-only parking policy in South Boston. Flynn argued that South Boston’s unprecedented growth over the past two decades, with even more development on the way, requires the current parking policy to evolve.

“It is no longer tenable for the absence of an updated seven nights per week ‘Resident Parking Only’ policy for areas of South Boston that still lack one, and the consistent enforcement it requires,” he said in a statement. 

Currently, South Boston requires residency permits Monday through Thursday between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. During this time, vehicles without a Resident Parking Permit, indicated by a sticker, are prohibited and subject to ticketing.

Flynn’s proposal would span the entire week and require the Boston Transportation Department (BTD) to intensify parking enforcement across the neighborhood’s roughly 10,600 on-street parking spaces.

Flynn called the “parking crisis” a public safety issue. Illegal parking in handicap spots, on crosswalks, and in front of bus stops, fire hydrants, and private driveways has increased over the past two decades due to South Boston’s unprecedented growth. With even more development on the horizon, the councilor called the expansion necessary to protect residents.

“With other neighborhoods having 24/7 parking restrictions, this compromise is more than fair to help address both the public safety and quality of life issues my constituents face every weekend,” Flynn said. “I understand that not everyone will agree with my proposal, and the need for the City to also explore caregiver passes and visitor zones; however, the status quo is simply unacceptable.”

He also called for a new multi-level municipal parking garage to be built on West Broadway, to accommodate the influx of visitors to the street’s many businesses and restaurants. 

“South Boston neighbors, our small businesses and I know the demand for parking in our neighborhood. Constructing a parking garage at this site, similar to others in our city and nearby towns, would provide the dual benefit of supporting our small business community and relief for our residents when it comes to our existing parking crisis,” he said.

The new garage would be built over the parking lot next to 460 West Broadway. The old bank recently received Zoning Board approval to be converted into the new home of the municipal court currently located on East Broadway. 

Residents have been wary of the development’s impact on traffic since its inception. A parallel lot could lessen the impact courthouse visitors would have on street parking while opening up the street to even more visitors.

Both hearing orders have been referred to Committee to be scheduled in the coming weeks.