Traffic commission approves 90-day River Street no-parking trial after debate over lost spaces

The Revere City Traffic Commission voted May 21 to implement a 90-day trial removing curbside parking on River Street (easterly from Belleview to Northshore Road) to restore two travel lanes and ease queuing at the intersection.

Councilor Angela Goa W five said the change is intended to "let the traffic flow a little bit better," and suggested a trial period so the city can assess effects. Director Babo said the request appeared aimed at improving queueing but warned, "I just don't want to see us removing 15 spaces without engaging the community prior." The commission agreed to proceed with a pilot and directed staff to perform before-and-after counts during a short pre-trial window so the commission can evaluate results.

Proponents argued that parked vehicles reduce the available lane width and force drivers to merge into oncoming traffic to reach the left-turn queue; one neighborhood councilor said residents supported a trial over the summer. Commissioners acknowledged parking is at a premium in Revere and favored a data-driven approach: the approved motion set the trial period at 90 days with counts to be taken immediately before implementation and during the pilot to measure traffic flow changes.

The vote approved the amendment on a trial basis; commissioners said if the counts do not show a demonstrable benefit the parking will be restored. The commission did not record a detailed roll-call tally in the meeting transcript.