NEWBURYPORT — Mayor Donna Holaday said the city is getting closer to implementing its paid parking plan as early as Oct. 1.
Holaday said yesterday city officials have made a "preliminary decision" on their choice of pay-and-display system as the city implements paid parking in all of the city's municipal lots this fall.
Officials will spend the next several days going over the cost figures before finalizing the order for the 10 machines, Holaday said.
The city reviewed five different models for pay systems and made the choice based on ease of use for drivers, she added.
Holaday said she is waiting for the Newburyport Redevelopment Authority to vote on whether to join in the parking program before ordering the machines. The NRA is meeting tonight.
Holaday asked the council earlier this year to agree to a transfer from the city's Free Cash fund of $278,00 to fund the purchase and installation of the pay and display machines, signs, enforcement and wireless handheld ticketing machines and collection contract.
Under the mayor's plan, residents will be able to purchase a pass that will allow them to park in the lots for free for a $50 annual fee. Seniors over the age of 65 can park for free in the lots with the purchase of a $25 annual parking pass. The lots will not have parking areas set aside for seniors or residents.
Parking attendants will be added on a part-time basis to patrol the lots, and the mayor said she expects to increase the number of attendants during the peak tourist season or during special events.
The mayor announced her intent to implement paid parking in March, saying the city needs the revenue.
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
