The Milton Business and Citizens Advisory Council received an update from Keri Pyke of Howard/Stein-Hudson on the status of the parking study of East Milton. The firm is on schedule to complete their work this spring. Two data collection issues have been addressed. The firm has redone a parking turnover analysis and a traffic recount at Adams and Center Street. These had been postponed due to the MWRA work being done in the area.

The data needs to be crunched and Ms. Pyke stated that they would be presenting the results at the next meeting in January. She did share initial anecdotal results. The parking problems in East Milton are caused in partby

Parking scofflaws who fail to observe parking limits. Henry/Stein observed parking patterns and noted for example that cars were parked for 8 hours in 30 minute spots.

There is sporadic enforcement of parking regulations. Pyke sensed that people parking in the square did not fear receiving parking tickets

There is parking that is not taken advantage of. This is principally on the west side of the square (Bryant Ave). Pyke speculated that these spots may not be used as much as they might because a) drivers may not realize they are there and b) street lighting is poor and after dark pedestrians may be reluctant to hazard a walk from say Abbty Park back across the expressway to their car.

Ms. Pyke also reviewed the results of a survey done with members of the BCAC who have asked that the town squares in Hingham, Newton, and Concord. Pyke presented aerial views of those locations and her firm will be evaluating them with regard to: parking, traffic circulation, pedestrian environment, wayfinding, and retail mix. She noted that all three of those squares use metered parking which introduces issues of maintnance, collection etc but can incent parking turnover. Several members commented on Newton’s vigilance at issuing tickets.

Short term goals that were identified included better signage, wayfinding, and improving pedestrian and bike access and safety. Longer term solutions include new parking structures, possible additional decking over the expressway, and new green and open space.

Committee members brainstormed with Ms. Pyke. One technique member Arthur Doyle suggested was “don’t block the box” street markings where Franklin intersects Adams do prevent traffic from backing up. An example of this was recently put in place on Canton Avenue at the entrance to the Milton Library.