Special to the Times-Free Press
Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata (District 1) chaired a hearing on an ordinance she filed to raise parking violation fines for non-residents in the North End during TD Garden arena events. Councilor Coletta Zapata’s proposal responds to the North End’s unique challenges as one of Boston’s most densely populated neighborhoods with limited on-street parking. During TD Garden arena events, visitors often park in resident-only zones without permits since the current $60 fine is comparable to garage rates, making it cheaper to risk a ticket than pay for legal parking. By increasing fines, the ordinance aims to deter violations and ensure North End residents can access on-street parking in their neighborhood.
“North End residents deserve reliable access to parking in their own neighborhood, without having to compete every time there’s a TD Garden event. The cost difference between garage parking and unauthorized parking fines is so small, many drivers choose to risk the fine instead of paying for legal parking,” said Councilor Coletta Zapata. “Raising fines for unauthorized parking will help deter visitors from taking resident spaces and protect the quality of life for those who depend on this limited resource.”
During the hearing, Councilors heard from representatives of the Boston Transportation Department and the Office of the Parking Clerk, who spoke about the increased staff capacity they’ve been able to achieve by adding new parking enforcement officers. The administration shared their support for the proposal and suggested some recommendations for language of the ordinance to include the West End neighborhood under the same violations and clarifying the distinction between TD Garden events and smaller events on Causeway Street venues to ensure there is no unintended consequences or pressure on the limited Residential Parking Permit spaces.
Councilor Coletta Zapata asked for assurance that BTD had enforcement capacity to implement the new fines once they are approved. The administration shared that they do not expect a large burden in implementing as they would have to update their printed ticket system especially to prepare for the season over a few months. The administration did indicate their preference to run an outreach campaign to ensure residents and visitors are aware of the changes.
North End residents testified about ongoing challenges finding on-street parking after certain hours due to cars without residential permits. They shared that while they use 311 to report violations, enforcement feels insufficient. Residents also noted that current fines are too low to discourage unauthorized parking, as they cost less than parking at TD Garden.
The Councilor’s proposal comes following success in 2015 when the City of Boston implemented a $100 fine for illegal parking in resident-only areas during Fenway Park events, which dissuaded illegal visitor parking.
This docket will remain in the Government Operations Committee and future conversations will be held.