Topic Meeting: Parking Ban Ballot Question

This year’s election ballot will include a question on whether or not to eliminate Newton’s winter parking ban.

On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, LWVN will be hosting a Topic Meeting to discuss the ballot question.  Panelists from groups supporting “Yes” and “No” on the ballot question will present their side of the argument, followed by questions from the audience.  The moderator will be Heather Hamilton, Deputy Director, Brookline Interactive Group.  LWVN has not take a position on this ballot question.

This event will be held at the Druker Auditorium, Newton Free Library, 330 Homer Street, Newton Centre, 7:00pm – 8:45pm.  All are welcome.

Parking Ban Ordinance:
Subsection (b) of Section 19-174 of the Revised Ordinances of 2017 requires that, “From December 1st through March 31st, it shall be unlawful for any vehicle, other than one acting in an emergency, to be parked on any street, way, highway, road parkway, or private way dedicated or open to the use of the public for a period of time longer than one hour between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.”

Text of Ballot Question:

Shall the following measure which was proposed by an initiative petition addressed to the City Council take effect?

Repeal Section 19-174(b) of the Revised Ordinances of 2017, commonly known as the winter overnight parking ban, which states: “From December 1st through March 31st, it shall be unlawful for any vehicle, other than one acting in an emergency, to be parked on any street, way, highway, road parkway, or private way dedicated or open to the use of the public for a period of time longer than one hour between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.”

Panelists:
Presenting on behalf of “Yes” on the ballot question (in support for the elimination of the winter parking ban) will be Jeremy Freudberg and Peter Klapes,  co-founders and co-directors of the Vote Yes to Repeal the Winter Overnight Parking Ban ballot question committee, founded in 2023 to place the question on the ballot through initiative petition.

Speaking on behalf of “No” on the ballot question (in opposition to the elimination of the winter parking ban) will be Dan Cohen and Terry Sauro, both members of the Keep Our Ban committee.

The moderator will be Heather Hamilton, Director of Operations, Brookline Interactive Group (BIG).

Additional Resources:

See Fig City News’s September 9 article, “Hot issue on the ballot: Repeal the Winter Parking Ban?”

See Newton Beacon September 3 article: “Councilors propose parking policy pilot program in place of overnight ban repeal.”

See Mayor’s Thursday, September 25, 2025 Newsletter post: “Voters to Decide Future of Winter Overnight Parking Ban“