To the Editor:

Mr. Slee concludes his letter with the sentiment that “Residents need to know why their community was chosen for expansion of parking regulation when the problem obviously is the enforcement of the existing rules.” The Tree Streets were chosen for inclusion in this pilot program precisely because we have heard from residents that the current rules are unsatisfactory: on-street spaces fill up early in the day and remain occupied all day, leaving no on-street parking available for residents or their guests.

The fact is that most of these streets, with the exception of Pine Street, have no parking regulations at all, other than an overnight ban. It is hard to see how better “enforcement of the existing rules” will solve the parking needs of residents when there are no existing rules. The goal of the pilot is to prioritize the needs of residents, while also recognizing the importance of local businesses, which need parking for customers and employees (and also pay taxes).

The task force is working to schedule a meeting in the community (at the Chestnut Street Fire House) in the coming weeks to hear input from the residents, employers, and employees in the neighborhood. The neighborhood has been represented on the task force as we have worked to identify policies to achieve the goals outlined above, but we want to hear input from all interested parties. Please watch for notification when a meeting time has been set, and join us to share your thoughts about what will work best for the neighborhood.

Leticia Fraga, David Cohen
Princeton Council and Permit Parking Task Force Members