South End neighbors launch ‘space saver vandalism fund’ after tire slashing

BOSTON — It’s the one neighborhood in Boston where space savers are banned, but that may not be enough to stop everyone in the South End from being possessive about parking spots.

A single mother who had her tires slashed on Dec. 18 told Boston 25 News she learned that the hard way.

The woman, who did not want to be identified, parked on West Brookline Street, near Tremont Street. She said she returned later in the day to find two of her tires slashed.

Neighbors in the South End started a GoFundMe several days ago to help her and future victims of what they call ‘space saver vandalism’.

So far, it’s raised $700 with a current goal of $1000.

“The South End community really comes together and supports each other,” said District 2 City Councilor Ed Flynn. “For anyone to slash someone’s tires is outrageous, and there’s no place in Boston for that.”

The South End started the space saver ban through a pilot program in 2016.

South End Community Forum Moderator Steve Fox told Boston 25 News there were five incidents of vandalism the following year linked to potential parking space turmoil.

That’s when the community put the first victim compensation fund together and paid more than $2,000 in claims.

Fox said the fund also helped pay for tow charges in a couple of cases.

“It also sends a message to the vandals that we’re going to take the sting out of what you’re doing,” said Fox.

The fund stopped being used after 2017 when reports of vandalism over space savers subsided in the South End.

Neighbors told Boston 25 News they’re happy to learn that a similar compensation fund has now been reinstated.

“It shows a sense of community,” said South End resident Courtney Marsolais. “You don’t want anyone in your community to be upset or hurt by anything.”

The woman whose tires were slashed in December said she never saw a space saver in the shoveled out spot – not that it would’ve mattered anyway.

Since the space saver ban took effect, the South End has encouraged neighborhood associations and the city to remove space savers at first sight.

If a resident were to park in a spot with a space saver, it’s likely that it had already been removed by someone else.

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