Police report: 51 crashes in May; DPW gives construction and parking pilot updates

Deputy Police Chief Mike Maloney reported to the Parking, Traffic & Safety Committee that the city logged 51 crashes in May, 31 of which were state-reportable. Maloney said there were no crashes involving pedestrians or bicycles recorded that month.

"In May, we had 51 total crashes, 31 which were state reportable, and no instances of crashes involving pedestrians and bicycles," Maloney said. He added that analyzing contributing factors ("the why") is as important as mapping crash locations and that he would pass on any trends to other committees.

DPW staff also updated the committee on construction projects and parking programs. Eric said crews are repaving Middle Street with restriping and minor curb work and that Congress Street work downtown is on hold for the summer and will resume after Labor Day. Staff noted limited in-house striping capacity and use of thermoplastic for longer-lasting markings; temperatures and staffing affect when crosswalks can be restriped.

On parking pilots, staff reported the "wrap" program has launched: resident vehicles registered at the tax office are recognized in the enforcement system for wrap zones without additional sign-up; discounted downtown parking requires a separate ParkMobile discount registration.