Like many Lovell residents, I have a small property where parking options are limited. Property owners in our situation rely on our on street parking. However, due to a local ordinance, parking trailers on the street is illegal for 9 whole months that range from September to May. This places an undue burden on residents.

Having to find alternative storage for trailers is not only inconvenient but it is also expensive, as storage fees quickly add up. This law disproportionately affects those with smaller properties. It discriminates, in a fashion, against residents who rely on street parking for their daily needs.

The trailers remain parked without causing any disturbances or obstruction through the short 3 months that they are “legal” and when thoughtfully placed, as most, if not all of us do. The majority of towns in our region do not impose ridiculous restrictions such as this, allowing residents to utilize street parking year-round, and our town should be no different!

There is plenty of room for trailers without blocking traffic or infringing on pedestrian rights-of-way. The main concern that brought this restriction about was the concern for our school children running out in front of vehicles. I can understand the concern, and I think we can all appreciate that we don’t want anything to happen to the kids in our town. There are already town ordinances that restrict parking any trailers/vehicles within 20 feet of a crosswalk and intersection in a school zone. The speed limits are reduced to 20, and police force and school district personnel do a phenomenal job at keeping traffic at bay and our children safe. 

Rather than forcing residents to incur unnecessary expenses, adjusting this ordinance would support them and help us all to have a more community-friendly environment.

It is understandable to have ordinances in place to maintain order and safety on our streets. However, the current ban from September to May is overly harsh and doesn’t consider the needs of its residents. By revising this local law, the town can alleviate financial stresses for many folks, and benefit those with limited space, and encourage a cooperative atmosphere among neighbors.

I would like to present this to the council in the January 2026 town meeting. Please join me in advocating for the removal of this unnecessary and burdensome law. Let’s work together to petition our town council and Mayor to amend this ordinance and prioritize the needs of the community. Sign this petition to urge our town leaders to lift the ban on street parking for trailers, so that our streets can accommodate everyone’s needs all year long!