Plan Favored For Alternate Side Parking

A proposed ordinance for alternate-side parking, given the stamp of aproval by a majority of the City Council and other high city officials, may legalize night parking on some of the Cambridge streets.

Five out of the nine council members said yesterday that Councilor Alfred Vellucci's plan to permit alternate-side parking on streets wider than 40 feet might stem the tide of illegally parked cars which now hinders the police from successfully enforcing the present ordinances.

Traffic Captain Edward F. Tierney thought his department could enforce the new plan, "if the City decides it wants it." A system of alternate-side parking, he explained, would keep the streets clear for fire engines and street-cleaning equipment while at the same time "easing the City's parking problems."

Also enthusiastic was Public Works Commissioner Joseph Dunphy. Alternate-side parking would leave a path for the Department's "street-sweepers, snowplows, and ash trucks," he stated, which is now blocked by violators on all the streets, especially in the Harvard area.

"Anywhere, anytime"

Councilor John D. Lynch gave the plan full approval, stating, "I believe in letting people park their cars anywhere, anytime." The other councilors in favor of Vellucci's proposal were Hyman Pill, Charles A. Watson, and Thomas M. McNamara. The proposal is under consideration by the Council's Ordinance Committee.

Fire Chief John Kilfoyle commented, "The Fire Department is opposed to parking at night on any street." However, under present conditions, violators also cause "tremendous trouble," he added.