More parking problems in Leominster – West End Diner is to blame

While I’m on the subject of parking problems in Leominster, I figured I’d try and tackle the parking problem out in front of the West End Diner. How does the Sausage King even have an occupancy permit for that diner? He packs them in there like Sardines and he has no off-street parking! And have you been to his VIP room upstairs? Rumor has it that he has a room upstairs that he uses when the place is full and even offers alcoholic beverages (for free of course) to his patrons.  I must clarify that this is a rumor and I have never personally been up there although I do have my sources…

I emailed the Chief of Police, Mayor Dean Mazzarella, and three of the four At-Large Councilors with my concerns. I’ll cross my fingers while I await a response.

I would have emailed Wayne Marchand but he does not list an email address on the city of Leominster website. How is that for making yourself available to your constituents??? For the record, James Lanciani does not either but I’d be willing to be he doesn’t even have a computer.

I’ll let you know if I get a response from any of the people I sent the email to.

No parking on Kingman Drive…What an idea!

I think I remember a post a while back about the parking situation at Leominster High School.

Is Leominster High School creating its own traffic and parking problems? 

Apparently Sgt. Michael Goldman of the Leominster Police Department reads my blog and decided to take my advice as you can read in the article below in today’s Sentinel.

Proposal would nix parking on Kingman Drive

Just kidding Mike! I’m sure you came up with the idea on your own. Nonetheless, it’s a great idea and I think it should be seriously considered. I do commend Sgt. Goldman for bringing this idea to the City Council.

The main arguments from the students and administrators are as follows:

“…the city should expand the existing parking lots so students don’t have to risk tardiness and fender-benders to find a spot before school.” – GET UP EARLIER!!!

“If they banned parking on Kingman, we’d have to be here before 7 (a.m.),”  GET UP EARLIER!!!

“…as underclassmen receive licenses throughout the year, more students bring cars to school, overtaxing the fewer than 300 spaces on campus.” GIVE OUT FEWER PARKING PERMITS!!!

“I think there’s a perception by some that kids are bringing cars to school because they just want to drive to school …” WAKE UP!!! THEY BRING CARS SO THEY CAN JET AT LUNCH TIME AND BLOW OFF THE REST OF THE DAY!!!

I think the administration at Leominster High has missed the boat on this one. Did they forget that driving is a privilege not a right. Especially for a 17 year old kid. Limit the number of parking passes that are given out. How many after school jobs start within 1/2 hour of school getting out? Is that really a problem?

How about going to athletic events? Aren’t the athletic events associated with the school? How about scheduling the after school practice at a time that will allow all students to get their on time by taking the bus?

It’s very simple. Eliminate the parking on Kingman Drive, limit the number of parking permits given out, and stop coming up with excuses as to why 17 year old kids need to be driving to school!!!