Parking ordinance proposed by school bus driver sparks debate

ATTLEBORO, Mass. — A city councilor here who is also a school bus driver proposed a change in city ordinances that would allow school bus drivers to park their buses at their homes between shifts, and is also the subject of some debate, The Sun Chronicle reports.

Councilor Heather Porreca, who is one of the city's 28 school bus drivers, proposed the ordinance on behalf of her colleagues, according to the newspaper. The proposed ordinance was approved by the planning board two weeks ago on a 4-2 vote, and made it out of committee on a 2-1 vote.

However, opponents told The Sun Chronicle the ordinance gives one group special privilege; would set a precedent for exceptions for other commercial vehicles; would create neighborhood disputes; and that buses don’t belong in residential areas.

Porreca told the newspaper she won't benefit from the ordinance if it passes because her driveway is too small for a full-size school bus. Additionally, buses would only be allowed in neighborhoods from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on school days, and would have to be at least 15 feet from property lines.

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