Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

Hi all … just a heads up about the parking patrol minions out to make some last minute bucks for the current mayor. Late last night No Parking signs were put up on my street, Cross St. and neighboring streets for construction starting the following morning. Nothing new, we’re used to the lack of notice and inconvenience.

Mind you ESCS is had their 8th grade “moving on ceremonies” today which means families are going to show up. Opps, no where to park. Minions are lurking and waiting to write up tickets like wildfire.
On another note, my daughter’s father decided to show up today to surprise her when she got home from work. He’s a handicap driver (due to serious issues walking). He came down the street, couldn’t park near the front of the house or get into our driveway due to the construction. So he parked down at the other end of the street and walked to the house to get our visitor pass since he doesn’t live in Somerville. He got back to his car only to find a $50 parking ticket on it.
I called the parking dept (who of course wasn’t there) but the phone was answered by 311 who said they take their calls. I explained what happened and asked why someone who’s handicapped would be getting a ticket in the first place. I was informed that the City of Somerville gives NO PREFERENCE TO THE HANDICAPPED whether or not they live in Somerville or not, no matter where they park.

Dawn Lee