Cambridge small business owner ticketed for parking behind her own store

A small business owner in Cambridge has gone public with her struggles dealing with the city’s parking regulations.

Toni Stupica is the owner of Ritual and Rose Inc., a new-age shop at the corner of Main and Ainslie streets. She was a guest on The Mike Farwell Show and said everything was great when the shop first opened earlier this year.

“Then all of a sudden, in mid-May, I started getting ticketed. I thought maybe it was during events, or they were enforcing the two hours. But, I displayed my handicap permit that I have because I have a disability.”

The lot behind Stupica’s shop has a two-hour time limit, but she was hoping bylaw would skip her vehicle because of the permit. But that wasn’t the case.

The tickets kept coming, eventually totaling $800. Stupica said she reached out to the city.

“When I called the City of Cambridge, I was informed it doesn’t matter that I have a disability, that I’m to park by the Cambridge Food Bank and walk. It’s about a 300-meter walk because that is a 12-hour parking lot.”

Stupica has back problems that limit her mobility and a 300 meter walk on some days would be impossible

Other communities, like Toronto, have taken accessible permits into consideration and allow drivers with the permits to disregard time limits. When Stupica inquired if such a solution were possible in Cambridge, she was told no.

“They (bylaw officers) are not permitted to have any discretion whatsoever. They adhere very strictly,” said Stupica. She went on to say, that this is starting to feel personal

“It’s the same identification of the same officer, so they’re actually targeting my car. It feels like exploitation, to be completely honest.”

570 NewsRadio reached out to the City of Cambridge and received the following statement:

“The City’s bylaw enforcement staff operate based on the current parking regulations approved by Council, which include time limits and payment requirements that apply to all users, including those with accessible parking permits. Officers do not have discretion to override bylaws and are required to enforce them consistently.

“We are aware that some larger municipalities, such as Toronto, offer broader exemptions for permit holders. The City does offer the option to purchase a monthly parking permit for a nearby lot at Water St. S.

If the individual wishes to contest their tickets or request a review, they are encouraged to follow the process outlined on their parking infraction notice or contact the City.”

Stupica doesn’t believe as a business owner, she should be forced to buy a parking pass for her own shop. She also points out that a monthly pass are costs her young business simply can’t afford at this time.

Stupica said she has continued to facilitate conversations with officials in hopes of finding an equitable resolution.