Original message from Councilor Linehan back in 2013:
The Boston Transportation Department and Department of Public Works are currently implementing the first phase of parking and safety improvements at the intersection of H St., Emerson St., and East 3rd St. This area, directly in front of the post office, has been problematic for some time.
During a public meeting on this space residents raised concerns about safety and the fact that the spaces were not resident only spaces. More and more cars were trying to squeeze into this space and at times cars were parked out into traffic lanes, making it difficult for cars, and impossible for some larger emergency vehicles, to navigate through the intersection. Because this area was technically considered to be part of the street, without identified parking areas or a location to place the Resident Parking signs, it could not be deemed resident only parking. These issues are being addressed with the current improvements.
The current design, which is first being implemented in paint in order to address any concerns before final construction, will include a small island that will allow for angled parking and will safely direct traffic through the intersection.
Similar improvements have already been made to the intersection of M St. and East 4th. I will continue to work on these problem areas in our neighborhoods to improve public safety and maximize resident parking spaces.
Sincerely,
Bill Linehan,
Boston City Councilor, District 2
Actually, vertical parking takes up less space than the full length of a car, parking horizontally.
I am thrilled to see any kind of parking improvement in Southie! Yay!!!
instead of putting an island on the end that narrows they actually diminished dozens of spots.
No Resident Parking signs because it wasn’t marked as a parking area. You’re kidding 50 years cars have been parking there. Install the signs in the middle it would have stopped the madness.
There has got to be a better way. The cars park there for weeks in the middle and jump in cabs to Logan daily. No street cleaning worries no resident stickers necessary I once counted 23 out of state cars in that area in the middle between emerson and east third.
Now the traffic pattern is worse because its too narrow on the Post Office side …I am sure the one way signs are not far behind ….
We have to have some relief to the overcrowded parking situations not only in this area but across the neighborhood.
I have been nearly creamed there as a pedestrian several times because of the disorganized nature of this quirky intersection. Several months ago I had a meeting with Bill Linehan / Mark McGonagle about bicycle issues, and somehow this intersection came up. Even back then Bill had plans for this spot, and I am glad they are being executed. Members of Planet Southie did our own mock re-design for this triangle of doom as a discussion point on finding the right balance between parking and public safety. We sent Bill and Mark our ideas for the intersection, which also included a few trees for shade.
Here is what I sent: http://goo.gl/ngRBpQ
While there at it, could they repo the building on w 5th and D and make that into a lot? the building has trees growing out of it!
People have been parking for many, many years on 3rd Street by the P.O. It wasn’t until the Yuppadoodles moved in, didn’t know the rules of parking here and started parking will nilly . The same ones who whined about how the parking was around this area. Leave this, K & Emerson and M & Emerson alone.
I emailed Conc. Linehan's office a few times over the last year about this parking mess – last September someone in his office said it wasn't a priority for 2014 but hopefully 2015. We can't wait any longer. Trash collects in the area, and I feel like people aren't taking pride in the neighborhood anymore. I want to be proud of where I live and that eyesore out front doesn't make it easy. I hope the city makes good on its promise because I want our little, historical nook to shine along with the rest of South Boston! It would be fabulous if they not only made as many parking spots available as possible, but how about adding a little greenspace if they HAVE to include a central area, and why not add a bike rack that makes it hard for bikes to be stolen (if that even exists!), as well as a small area for people to park motorcycles/scooters! My 2 cents.
I like when emergency vehicles cant drive down roads, DEATH TO YUPPIES!!