Barnet Parking Sparks Controversy

Details: Created on Tuesday, 12 April 2016 14:33; Written by Dylan Robichaud

Barnet- Town Residents and town officials simply can’t agree on one thing in the Barnet, and that’s the parking situation along Monument Circle. There are currently three roads that meet all at the same spot; Anderson street, Church street, and Monument circle.

Vehicles are parking on the wrong side of the road.

L.J Stewart, who is on the Building Committee, says the issue was brought up recently, and is most likely caused from an increase in business along the road.

“There are three two-way streets that come into the circle, and there's no actual known traffic flow around the circle. There's a post office, a market, a wellness center, as well as classes that are taught by the Wellness Center, so there's more traffic coming and going on a regular basis”.

But some town officials say there need to be consequences for vehicles that park inappropriately.

“It is a two lane road, and your supposed to park in the direction that your going," said Shirley Warden, the town's zoning administrator. "That's state law. I know in St. Johnsbury they give tickets.”

L.J. Stewart has lived right near monument circle for over ten years and says this hasn’t been a problem for her. “I think it’s actually working, and people should be more conscientious of how and where we come and go. I think people are in a hurry and forget that there are other people that need to get by,” she said. “I'm kind of a nosy person, at my front windows and on my porch, and I haven't had a problem in a dozen plus years, so I don’t know why it’s a problem now.”

“There are often vehicles facing against traffic and also there are vehicles parked there for a long duration of time, how much of a problem it is I don’t know,” said Town Clerk Benjamin Heisholt.

“I’ve never noticed an issue, but I don’t always travel through that area of town, the only thing that raises concern for myself is long term parking,” said Selectboard member Jeremy Roberts.

Over the next few weeks, the Sheriff's department will be monitoring this intersection to see if the problem persists.