The Wauwatosa Common Council on July 28 voted to ask city staff to develop a program that will assist city residents who have no option for overnight parking other than the city's streets. Some council members, however, expressed reluctance at creating a robust citywide program of overnight parking permits.
The final measure, which passed in a 10-1 vote, included an amendment suggested by Robin Brannin, who represents District 9. After talking with police, public works and other officials who would be responsible for carrying out an overnight parking program, Brannin said she thought the council needed to provide more guidance to staff on the goals of the program.
Specifically, Brannin asked that the program be narrowed to "hardship" accommodations that would allow certain eligible residents to park on the streets overnight if they lack off-street parking connected to their residences. Joe Phillips of District 6, who proposed the program, said Brannin's amendment got "to the heart of the issue."
“We’re just trying to make it easier for people who live in Wauwatosa," Phillips said.
City officials have not said how many residents would benefit from selectively waiving Tosa's overnight parking restrictions, but they indicate it is likely a small fraction of households.