The following was sent to us by a reader –
Dear Editor:
I was surprised to read the recent letter titled “A Different Perspective on Parking,” in response to the small business owners who spoke at last week’s Select Board meeting about the unintended consequences negatively impacting their businesses due to kiosk implementation. I believe that LTE does little to promote unity among small business owners and could inadvertently contribute to division.
As a fellow small business owner in education consulting, let’s support one another, especially during times of change. Some businesses in town have clearly been affected by the kiosk implementation, and it’s disappointing to see their concerns belittled. If even one business is suffering due to a situation that could have been avoided or alleviated, shouldn’t we all be concerned about the overall vitality of our downtown?
Remaining anonymous in these discussions doesn’t help our community. We need to hear from everyone publicly to ensure that all voices—both positive and negative—are part of the conversation. The strength of our downtown depends on transparent and inclusive dialogue.
It’s also important to acknowledge that parking issues have improved since the PARC committee was formed five years ago. The availability of more spaces at the depot and the allocation of extra spots for employees has helped ease the parking crunch. However, the recent changes have shown that there’s still work to be done so that all businesses benefit.
This is where more guidance from the town, particularly from the Economic Development Director and Town Manager, will be helpful. The question we should all be asking is: do we even need these kiosks anymore? Considering the current parking conditions, a thoughtful re-evaluation of their necessity could help us move toward a solution that works for everyone.
In the meantime, Select Board, please pause implementation, revert to the previous maximum number of hours, clearly articulate the change, and inform all residents.
Karen Janowski
Azalea Circle
Town Meeting Member Precinct 2
