Corrales Council to Consider Stricter Parking Rules for Residential Streets

Visiting a restaurant or catching a show in Corrales could soon come with an unexpected consequence: a fine or a tow if you park in the wrong spot. Village councilors are set to consider stiffer parking rules at their March 24 meeting, with the most contested provision being a proposed ban on commercial parking on residential streets.

The push stems from a familiar frustration in the village. At previous council meetings, residents complained of blocked driveways and delayed emergency vehicles. Village police acknowledged the problem but said their hands are tied: there is currently no enforcement mechanism allowing them to cite bad parkers.

Mayor Fred Hashimoto said some residents believe commercial trucks should be loaded and unloaded on business premises rather than in the street. That sentiment has put local businesses on notice, particularly Tesuque Stucco, whose owners Martin and Shannon Biddle appeared before the Village Council on March 10 to push back. The Biddles said the parking restrictions would negatively impact their business, which generates tens of thousands of dollars a year in gross receipts tax revenue. Other residents, though, have complained that Tesuque Stucco's vehicles regularly block traffic.

The draft ordinance reaching the council Monday is actually a revised version. Councilors earlier sent the original proposal back to village staff after raising concerns that the language was broad enough to snare Corraleños simply visiting one another.

The March 24 meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Village of Corrales Council Chambers, 4324 Corrales Road. Virtual attendance is available via Zoom; meeting information will be posted at least 72 hours before the session.