“They’re still in the street two weeks later.” Councilor Culpepper debates the future of space savers
Space savers are a time-honored tradition in Boston’s rougher winters. The practice serves to mark the spot a neighbor shoveled out and ensure their hard work is not abused by the shoveling-averse. Baby carriages, cases of bottled water, and even icons of the Virgin Mary were all spotted protecting the parking spaces of neighbors city-wide.
Savers are permitted to remain out up to 48-hours after snow removal. District 7 Councilor Minniard Culpepper said the enforcement of the period has been enforced inconsistently, leading to conflict between neighbors.
The former attorney explained that a resident had attempted to contract his legal representation for a court case surrounding an altercation with a neighbor over a space saver. Culpepper rejected the gig, but said he would present the issue to the council.
“I don’t think we understand how serious this issue is,” Culpepper said. “I think residents deserve to know what the rules are, how they are enforced, and what steps they can take when the policies are not being enforced.”
Culpepper said he had taken pictures throughout his neighborhood over the past few days, documenting that despite this week’s record heat, several residents had not removed their space savers – two full weeks since the last major snowfall.
The councilor called for a hearing for relevant city departments to explain how the current system is working, identify where communication may be falling short, and explore practical rules that can be applied consistently.
Space-saving as a practice has proven contentious this year. Boston police arrested one Dorchester resident on February 4, following a stabbing incident that stemmed from a dispute over a parking space.
“Living in a city with a car means accepting these responsibilities and any inconvenience that comes with it. Yeah, it sucks to spend time shoveling out your spot and losing it to another car, but that’s a part of the deal,” one user posted r/Boston, the subreddit for the city. “Snow happens in Boston, you knew that when you brought a car here. Shoveling it out is effort, not entitlement.”
Though the council unanimously approved the hearing order, they were not in consensus about the way forward.
“Growing up here in the city of Boston, if you take somebody’s spot, you’re going to get your tires slashed,” Councilor Julia Mejia told NBC 10 Boston.
“One size doesn’t fit all,” added Councilor Ed Flynn. “It’s about working together.”
What do you think?
