Town Board enacts new parking regulations after public hearing

AMENIA — Responding to residents’ concerns about parking, the Town Board on Thursday, Dec. 4, unanimously approved a new local law following a public hearing at its regular meeting. Residents were invited to comment on rules for EV charging station parking as well as plans to limit parking along Mechanic Street near the intersection with Route 343.

The new regulations, drafted by Town Attorney Ian Lindars, also prohibit through truck traffic along the length of Sharon Station Road that lies within the town.

Under the new law that concerns charging stations for electric vehicles, the space is limited to that single purpose and none other.

Mechanic Street parking prohibitions are specific. On the east side of the street, cars will not be allowed to park within 107 feet measured southward from the stop sign at the corner of Route 343. On the west side of the street, parking is now prohibited within the 40 feet that extends southward from the southern end of the crosswalk. And then, only one car will be permitted to park between that 40-foot point and the telephone pole that stands 62 feet to the south.

An important new provision within the law establishes fines to enforce the parking regulations. The first conviction will carry a $100 fine, the second a $200 fine, and the third, $300, if all three occurred within an 18-month period. There are also provisions for towing at the owner’s expense.

Resident Vicky Doyle asked whether the new law will apply to EV charging stations on private property. An EV charging station is being contemplated for installation adjacent to the Wassaic Project.

Board Attorney Ian Lindars replied that the new local law would not apply to EV charging stations on private property.

Doyle also asked whether parking configurations, similar to those now in effect on Mechanic Street, could be formalized in Wassaic to correct the current haphazard parking arrangements.

“That’s why we recommend hiring a landscape architect to resolve that,” said Town Supervisor Leo Blackman.

“You can amend parking regulations on any town road at any time,” Lindars noted.

Verizon Tower Lease Agreement

By unanimous vote, the Town Board agreed to sign an amended lease agreement with Verizon Wireless, increasing the annual lease fee and allowing for equipment upgrades on the Washington Court tower. This amended agreement is the third in a series. The most recent amendment was signed in 2020.

In addition to a lease fee increase of $6,600, the agreement permits Verizon to replace three Samsung antennas and upgrade cables and connections.

Appointment

The Town Board voted unanimously to appoint Stephen Johnson to serve as part-time clerk to the both the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals.