At tonight’s City Council meeting, Councilor David A. Salvatore (Ward 14) proposed a resolution requesting that the Department of Public Works create an online application process for overnight parking permits in the City of Providence. This resolution has been co-sponsored by Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1), and Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3).
“The Department of Public Works is tasked with providing efficient, cost-efficient and high-quality services to Providence residents. The current overnight parking application process is just not meeting that standard. An online process would be safer, more efficient, and will hopefully increase compliance with overnight parking regulations in our City,” stated Councilor David Salvatore.
Overnight parking permits allow residents to park on selected residential streets overnight. Currently, the Department of Public Works requires applications for these permits to be filed in person. Due to COVID-19, in-person interactions have become an inconvenience and risk for both residents and City personnel.
“Many residents in Ward 13 rely on overnight-parking permits to ensure that they can safely and legally park their car on residential streets. This is a necessary City service for constituents without ample parking at their residence, which is a reality for many city dwellers. However, the process for obtaining a permit has become burdensome within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This resolution offers a safer, easier way to obtain a permit,” stated Councilor Rachel Miller.
COVID-19 has prompted many City services to transition to remote access, and many City resources are available online. While the overnight parking permit application is available to download online, the application must be submitted in person at the Traffic Engineering Building (700 Allens Avenue) or at the Municipal Court located at the Public Safety Complex (325 Washington Street).
“Current circumstances have forced us to re-evaluate our old ways of doing business. In many cases, this has helped municipalities find more efficient ways to serve their constituents. I believe that this initiative to move the overnight parking permit application process online will better serve the community and will make the process simpler for the Department of Public Works,” added Councilor David Salvatore.
Upon passage, copies of this resolution will be shared with Mayor Jorge Elorza and the Department of Public Works.
