Boston City Council Weighs Stricter Space Saver Rules After Extended Violations

Boston City Council members want a hearing about space saver rules. Residents kept buckets, pots and random objects in streets long after snowstorms melted away. District 7 City Councilor Miniard Culpepper said the 48-hour guideline was ignored this winter.

"Forty-eight hours, but we see they're still in the street a week after, almost two weeks after," said Culpepper, according to NBC Boston. "We want to look at the policies, we want to look at how they're enforced."

The practice allows people who shovel parking spots to claim them with household objects when snow falls. Culpepper wants residents to cooperate better, and he'll push for city action if they don't.

The South End Community Board wants Boston to ban space savers everywhere. That neighborhood stopped allowing them years back. Stephen Fox with the South End Community Board said workers could grab items left in streets when they pick up trash.

Some council members warn against applying identical rules across all neighborhoods. At-Large Boston City Councilor Julia Mejia pointed to the fierce feelings residents have about parking spots they cleared.

District 2 Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn pressed for cooperation between different parts of town. "One size doesn't fit all," said Flynn. "It's about working together."

Culpepper also proposed creating a snow strike force to help Boston handle winter weather better. He wants to have a hearing to examine enforcement options and methods to get more people following current guidelines.