Patch Readers React to New Arlington Center Parking Meters

ARLINGTON, MA — The results from last week's poll on the Arlington Center parking meters are in. Approximately 150 Arlington Patch readers took part in our poll, and overwhelmingly disapproved of the addition of the meters.

Out of the three options, 88 participants (58.67 percent) felt that the meters were a bad idea and that they should be removed. Just 33 poll participants (22 percent) felt that the meters were a good idea, and 29 entrants (19.33 percent) wanted to see how things played out.

"How will this benefit the remaining businesses that remain in the center?Asking customers to pay for parking only benefits the Town of Arlington," commented Lauren Colbert on Facebook.

Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine told Patch in a previous interview that the goal of the meters is to encourage use of the municipal lots, which would hopefully free up spaces in front of Mass. Avenue businesses.

"Meters in front of retailer is not improve the business. Have a post covering five parking space for limited time use. Town Hall is another area we need parking space just for Town business use fifteen minutes parking area clearly marked. I do not shop in Arlington mainly because there is no convenient parking," commented Matilda Kallas on Polldaddy.

Additionally, commenters were not happy with the placement of meters in front of the St. Agnes Church and the Fidelity House.

"I think the meter should be removed from in front of St. Agnes church and Fidelity House. There are no retailers in that area . There are people coming and going throughout the day to these places and it makes no sense to force these people to the municipal lot," Susan Shea commented on Polldaddy.

Image submitted by community member