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Health Impacts
Health Impacts
Increased traffic and idling cars around construction sites in neighborhoods can cause significant air pollution in the area. Smog and particle pollution are the main contaminants of concern with increased emission sources. Being exposed to large amounts of emissions and air pollutants long-term can lead to:
Respiratory health problems
Neurological disorders
Reproductive health issues
Cancer
Low-income neighborhoods, and communities of color in urban areas may be disproportionately exposed to air pollution, which is a barrier to economic opportunity and security.
Developer Responsibilities and What Residents Need to Know
Developer Responsibilities and What Residents Need to Know
Developers/construction crews must get an street occupancy permit to park at an active construction site.
As part of the permit process they must:
If taking up space in a residential area:
Post signs in the neighborhood in advance.
Place fliers within a half-block of the space the construction crew takes up.
If blocking off metered spots:
Post signs days before the job, and flier before your planned work.
As for idling, Massachusetts has an anti-idling law which does not allow cars to idle for more than five minutes. This law applies to all actors and vehicles, and violators are liable for $100 tickets per offense.
However, there are a few exceptions when idling would be considered acceptable and necessary. This includes running the engine:
while actively clearing snow and ice off the vehicle.
to warm the windshield and interior of the vehicle in the winter.
Example Notification of Construction
Example Posted Construction Sign
Contacts and Next Steps for Residents
Contacts and Next Steps for Residents
Are you concerned that developers/construction crews in your neighborhood are not complying with the regulations listed above?
For concerns around parking permits and relevant posted signage:
Contact the Building Department to discuss relevant concerns:
508.324.2500
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