Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A new proposal to increase the price of parking permits in Cambridge is drawing backlash from residents.
Some members of the Cambridge City Council proposed to raise the annual parking permit fee from the current $25 to $75 per permit. Senior residents, who were previously exempt, will also be required to pay the fee.
“I like to think that it was well-thought out and that there’s a reason for it,” one resident told WBZ NewsRadio. “[That] they are not doing it to punish people.”
Another resident, Roderick, said “I would suggest half that [price],” instead of abruptly tripling it.
Low-income residents, those living in affordable housing, and those on welfare would be eligible to still only be required to pay the current $25 fee if the proposal passes.
According to the proposal, the parking permit program has been running at a $2 million deficit. The last time parking permit fees were raised was back in 2011 from $8 to $20, and another $5 increase in 2013.
They hope the change will reduce the amount cars from the streets as part of the Zero Emissions Transportation Plan.
The next Cambridge City Council meeting is Wednesday.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.