In this issue:
“Resident Parking Only” takes on new meaning in crowded Boston neighborhoods
Is Boston the next Venice?
Emerald Network piques interest of presidential candidates
What's happening
Resident Parking Only takes on new meaning in pricey Boston neighborhoods
While housing prices continue to skyrocket throughout Metro Boston, residential parking permits remain unlimited and free, an uncommon practice that is allowing some residents to get creative when it comes to parking spaces. Recent college grad Sally, feared that she would need to leave Boston if she couldn’t find affordable housing after graduating:
“When my landlord raised the rent by 45% I didn’t know what I was going to do. But then I saw a Netflix documentary on Tiny Houses. I immediately applied for my free parking permit, dropped a 150 square-foot house in a cushy Beacon Hill parking space and placed my parking sticker in the living room window. It was that simple.”
A standard parking space is at least 9x18, leaving more than enough space for one or two people to live in one of these trendy tiny homes.
“I never thought I’d be able to live in Beacon Hill, but now I can. You can buy a tiny house for less than a year’s worth of rent for a studio apartment, plus parking is free. My house is like a giant space saver. It’s great.”
Apply here for your FREE City of Boston residential parking permit.
Is Boston the next Venice?
Rendering courtesy of Urban Land Institute
As a part of Go Boston 2030’s scenario planning process—Mayor Walsh announced today that the city would be pursuing a plan to become the “North American Venice” by 2030:
“Let’s be honest about climate change--we’re screwed. Let’s not waste millions of dollars fixing a 130 year old transit systems and painting bike lanes on our streets. We should be investing in our transportation future— gondolas.”
The day after the announcement came, billboard ads for a new ride-share app "Wavz" appeared around the city, targeting varsity rowers from area universities.
To learn more visit goboston2030.com
Emerald Network piques interest of presidential candidates
As the presidential race heats up, candidates are focusing on local issues to drum up support. In Massachusetts, mobility has been a hot topic, propelling the Emerald Network into the limelight.
At a rally on Monday, Donald Trump declared: “I don’t really know what it is, but I 100% support any path paved in jewels -- although I have to say I prefer diamonds over emeralds.”
In an interview on WBUR, Bernie Sanders was cautiously optimistic about the vision for a 200-mile connected pathway system: “I am supportive of this path system IF it can truly be equitably distributed throughout the region.”
Bill Clinton hit the campaign trail running, literally, for wife Hillary. He was spotted Tuesday afternoon giving joggers a big thumbs up along the popular Charles River path. Earlier in the day he visited area polls with Mayor Marty Walsh. Reports are surfacing that the former president was mouthing “greenways” as he shook voters’ hands.
To learn more visit emeraldnetwork.info