The Traffic Council approved the following (see the report and watch the meeting video). All approved items may be appealed through the close of business on December 31, 2025.
Non-resident visitor parking permits/fee clarification along Hull Street and Elm Road (Ward 2)
The Council approved updates to multiple sections of the Traffic and Parking Regulations to clarify that certain parking permits issued to City staff, school staff, afterschool staff, and residents abutting Hull Street and Elm Road will remain free of charge. These permits are classified as “visitor permits” under the regulations, and the changes were made to ensure they remain free despite the City Council’s recent adoption of a $25 annual fee for resident visitor parking permits. (5-0)
Highland Avenue pick-up/drop-off zone near the Cooper Center (Ward 2)
The Council approved changes to parking restrictions on the south side of Highland Avenue, just west of Walnut Street, to establish a signed pick-up/drop-off zone serving the Cooper Center entrance. The new zone replaces three metered public parking spaces (meters to be removed) and is intended to improve safety and traffic flow during drop-off and pick-up periods. (5-0)
Washington Street speed regulation update (Wards 1–6)
The Council approved a comprehensive update to speed regulations on Washington Street as part of a citywide response to changes in MassDOT policy. MassDOT now requires that each special speed regulation apply to a single street and prohibits partial amendments, necessitating a full replacement of the prior regulation. (5-0)
Watertown Street speed regulation update (Wards 1–3)
The Council approved without discussion updated speed regulations for Watertown Street, replacing the previous regulation with a revised set of speed zones that reflect current MassDOT standards and formatting requirements. (5-0)
Centre Street speed regulation update (Wards 1, 2 & 6)
The Council approved without discussion updated speed regulations for Centre Street, revising prior speed limits and consolidating them into a single, updated regulation consistent with current MassDOT policies. (5-0)
Chestnut Street speed regulation update (Wards 3 & 5)
The Council approved updated speed regulations for Chestnut Street, replacing the existing regulation with revised speed zones along the corridor. Councilor Downs stated her hope that Anita Circle would be changed from 30 mph to 25 mph. (5-0)
Beacon Street speed regulation update (Wards 4, 5, 6 & 7)
The Council approved, without discussion, speed-regulation language for Beacon Street, which had previously been omitted from the speed-zone section of the Traffic and Parking Regulations, thereby formally establishing enforceable speed zones along the roadway. (5-0)
Hammond Street speed regulation update (Ward 7)
The Council approved without discussion updated speed regulations for Hammond Street, replacing the prior regulation with revised speed limits that align with current policy and roadway conditions. (5-0)
Tremont Street speed regulation update (Ward 1)
The Council approved without discussion updated speed regulations for Tremont Street, revising speed limits and standardizing the regulation format in line with MassDOT requirements. (5-0)
Waverley Avenue speed regulation update (Wards 1 & 7)
The Council approved wihtout discussion updated speed regulations for Waverley Avenue, replacing the existing regulation with revised speed zones reflecting current standards. (5-0)
Woodward Street speed regulation update (Wards 5 & 6)
The Council approved without discussion updated speed regulations for Woodward Street, revising and consolidating speed limits under a new regulation. (5-0)
Lowell Avenue speed regulation update (Ward 2)
The Council approved without discussion updated speed regulations for Lowell Avenue, replacing the previous regulation with revised speed zones. (5-0)
River Street speed regulation update (Wards 3 & 4)
The Council approved, without discussion, updated speed regulations for River Street, revising speed limits and aligning them with MassDOT’s current requirements. (5-0)
California Street speed regulation update (Wards 1 & 2)
The Council approved without discussion updated speed regulations for California Street, replacing the existing regulation with revised speed zones along the corridor. (5-0)
Newtonville Avenue speed regulation update (Wards 1 & 2)
The Council approved, without discussion, updated speed regulations for Newtonville Avenue, maintaining a consistent speed limit while updating the regulatory format. (5-0)
Cabot Street speed regulation update (Ward 2)
The Council approved without discussion updated speed regulations for Cabot Street, revising speed limits along the street and consolidating them into a new regulation. (5-0)
Langley Road speed regulation update (Wards 6 & 7)
The Council approved without discussion updated speed regulations for Langley Road, replacing the prior regulation with revised speed zones consistent with current policy. (5-0)
East Side Parkway — rescind speed regulation (Wards 1 & 2)
The Council approved, without discussion, rescinding the special speed regulation for East Side Parkway, noting that the roadway is fully covered by a Safety Zone designation, which supersedes a separate speed regulation. (5-0)
Algonquin Road — rescind speed regulation (Ward 7)
The Council approved, without discussion, rescinding the special speed regulation for Algonquin Road as the existing regulation duplicated the citywide statutory speed limit and was no longer necessary. (5-0)
No Action Necessary
Temporary pick-up/drop-off zones related to Senior Center relocation (Ward 6)
The Council voted that no action was necessary on previously approved temporary pick-up/drop-off zones in front of the Brigham House on Hartford Street and the Hyde Community Center on Lincoln Street. The Cooper Center in Newtonville has opened, and the temporary relocation of Senior Center services has ended. (5-0)
Lincoln Street and surrounding streets parking trial related to Senior Center relocation (Wards 5 & 6)
The Council voted that no action was necessary on a long-term parking trial addressing increased parking demand during the temporary Senior Center relocation, as the temporary location is no longer in use and parking restrictions have reverted to prior conditions. (5-0)
Other Action
Traffic Council Chair for Calendar Year 2026
The Council elected David Koses to serve as Traffic Council Chair through December 31, 2026. (5-0)
Present: Ned Codd (DPW), Captain Devine (Police), Councilor Downs, Mitchell Fischman (Resident Member), David Koses (DPW).
City staff: Danielle Delaney, Clerk.
