San Jose residents frustrated with increasing parking and traffic congestion will have a chance to air their grievances at a public forum on Saturday, during which the required parking permits for select city neighborhoods will be up for debate.
According to organizers, state leaders will host a group of transportation experts at Mitty High School starting at 9 a.m. to discuss the rapid uptick in congestion in bustling neighborhoods, including Berryessa and Winchester.
Complaints have alleged that a number of commuters are parking in the neighborhoods and then walking to BART, resulting in crowded streets and limited parking for actual residents. In hopes of easing some of that congestion, a pilot program that requires residential parking permits will be brought up before attendees at tomorrow’s meeting. If approved, applicants would have to prove they live in the area and pay a $35 fee per year.
Other traffic-plagued Bay Area cities already require residential permits, including San Francisco, Berkeley and some parts of Oakland.
Some current residents are skeptical that the program will be a success.
“I can’t say if it’s gonna be a benefit, having permits,” said Dave Meyberg, a San Jose resident. “I guess it does regulate it more.”
