Residents urge council to reject permanent fire-lane parking loss; National Grid pole relocation granted with condition

Residents of the Willows neighborhood and councilors debated a proposed ordinance to designate an emergency access route at the corner of Sutton and Beach Avenue.

Phil Laffy, who identified himself as co‑chair of the Willows Neighborhood Association, told the council that parking in the neighborhood is constrained and that permanently removing "what's probably seven or eight resident parking spaces" for an annual emergency is "pretty obnoxious." He and others suggested alternatives such as temporary signage restricting parking during flood emergencies rather than a year‑round loss of resident spaces.

Councilor Terowski said he had knocked on doors in the neighborhood, described safety concerns raised after a prior flooding event and recommended referral to the Ordinances, Licenses & Legal Affairs Committee co‑posted with the Committee of the Whole so Transportation, Fire and Parks staff could weigh in on curb cuts, maintenance and accessibility. The council agreed to send the ordinance to committee for further consideration.

Separately, in a public hearing that immediately followed, National Grid representative Sabida Mahabar Shihi explained that the company sought to install and relocate two poles on Beach A and Senav for reconductoring and load relief. Resident Francis Charles, whose property would receive two poles, said he had "no problem" with the placement but asked that the poles not include street lights because the corner is already well lit. Councilor Terroski moved to grant National Grid's petition with the condition that the poles not include street lighting; the council approved the petition with that condition.

The council's next step on the fire‑lane ordinance is committee review with a request for written support from fire, transportation and parks departments and more detailed neighbor input.