Brattleboro weighs parking overhaul as complaints continue

At Tuesday’s meeting, board members and staff reviewed enforcement questions, customer confusion and the financial health of the parking operation.

Town leaders are looking at a range of possible revisions to the downtown parking system, with the Select Board expected to hold a separate meeting focused entirely on the issue. Officials want to review rules, signage, permit structure and the long-term finances of the Parking Fund.

Select Board Chairman Oscar Heller said the system is substantial and involves competing concerns, while also noting that it is not in a collapse and has already been the subject of significant work since 2018.

At Tuesday’s meeting, board members and staff reviewed enforcement questions, customer confusion and the financial health of the parking operation. Police Chief Jeremy Evans said the administration is examining whether app instructions should be clearer, whether downtown signs need improvement, how paid-parking zones are marked, and whether permit prices should be adjusted. He also said officials are considering if parking revenue could help pay for downtown programs.

Several problems with the current app were raised, including unclear renewal procedures, repeat citations, fees tied to online payments and possible mismatches between meter time and enforcement practices.

Board Vice Chairwoman Amanda Ellis-Thurber suggested a trial pause in Sunday enforcement. She said that could give enforcement staff a break, reduce costs for that day and possibly still bring in some payment from people who assume parking is unenforced.

She said she has heard many complaints about Sunday enforcement because some visitors believe parking is free, while local residents generally understand it is not.

Other ideas under review include parking for employees and residents, longer-term parking arrangements and the possibility of replacing the current app.

Erin Scaggs, creative director at the Downtown Brattleboro Alliance, said progress would be more likely if the town, businesses and other stakeholders worked together in a coordinated way.