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Gardner to Reactivate Downtown Parking Meters Jan. 13; Fees Restricted to Meter Operations
Summary
The mayor announced downtown on-street parking meters will go live Jan. 13. City officials say the meters accept coins and ParkMobile payments and that revenue is legally restricted to parking operations and upkeep.
Mayor (name not provided) said Gardner will reactivate on-street parking meters in the downtown area beginning Jan. 13, and that the meters will accept both coins and credit-card payments via the ParkMobile app.
The mayor said the meters were reinstalled after a downtown business survey showed strong support for replacing older meters to improve turnover and customer access. “They do still take change. You do not have to pay with a credit card,” the mayor said, adding that ParkMobile instructions are printed on the meters and additional signage will be posted downtown.
The mayor emphasized that revenue from the meters is legally restricted. He said meter funds are designated for tasks such as repainting parking-space lines, meter maintenance and parts, and the wage for the staff member who empties and services meters. That staff position, he said, works 10 hours a week and is an unbenefited position.
He also said there remains free public parking in municipal lots, including spaces in front of City Hall and on Connor Street near the post office; the meters apply only to on-street downtown spaces as set by city ordinance.
City officials framed the meters as a tool to increase turnover and make curbside parking available for customers. The mayor said a business-community survey showed overwhelming support for meter replacement.
