New no-parking zones near Gorton's and overnight truck ban on Washington Square

The Gloucester City Council on Sept. 22 approved four changes to city parking rules, including longer no-parking zones on Rogers Street outside Gorton's and an overnight ban on large commercial vehicles on Washington Square.

Each passed 7 to 0. Councilors Jason Grow and Sean Nolan were absent.

Rogers Street at Gorton's

The council extended the no-parking areas on both sides of Rogers Street near Gorton's crosswalks. Parking is now banned for 100 feet on the 128 Rogers Street side, from the southern crosswalk to the corner of Gorton's lot entrance, and for 110 feet on the 127 Rogers Street side, from the lot entrance to the trailer truck parking zone. The old rules covered 25 feet.

Council President Tony Gross, who filed the order, said it grew out of a safety meeting at Gorton's with city officials, Interim Police Chief Michael Williams, Traffic Commission Chairman Bob Ryan, state Sen. Bruce Tarr and state Rep. Andrew Tarr. He said there have still been near misses with pedestrians even after earlier changes.

Ryan said the cars parked closest to the crosswalks were large pickups and SUVs belonging to plant workers, and that Gorton's has more than enough parking in its own lots. Councilors said the change affects only Gorton's, which asked for it, and does not remove the trailer truck parking on Rogers Street. Ryan said a traffic safety study of the area will be put in motion.

Councilor Marjorie Grace noted that one person had already been killed on Rogers Street. "To prevent another tragedy from happening, it's the right move," she said.

Washington Square

Large commercial vehicles are now barred from parking anywhere on Washington Square from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Grace, who filed the order with Councilor Sean Nolan, said residents have complained for more than two years that big work trucks parked overnight take up more than one space and block fire trucks and ambulances on the narrow street. The Traffic Commission backed the ban for vehicles of 3 tons and over, according to its report to the council. One letter of support was received before the deadline.

Main Street loading zone

The downtown loading zone on the north side of Main Street moves from in front of No. 134 to No. 124 and will be for commercial vehicles only, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a 30-minute limit. The space is open to other parking at night.

Councilor Dylan Benson said business owners told him delivery trucks from UPS, FedEx and freight carriers often could not use the space because passenger cars were parked in it. Ryan said a curb extension built after the original zone was created made the No. 134 spot impossible to use.

Eastern Avenue

The council removed two 30-minute parking spaces in front of 18 Eastern Avenue that had served a florist that has since closed. Councilor Scott Memhard said the spaces will now be open to neighborhood residents.

Wheeler Street put off

A proposal to ban parking on both sides of Wheeler Street between Shore Hill Road and Howard Road was continued to the council's Dec. 8 meeting. Councilor Frank Margiotta, who filed it, asked for the delay so residents who support it could attend.