Published in the June 24, 2019 edition.

A color-coded map of the downtown parking changes accompanies this press release.

WAKEFIELD — In April, residents approved the expenditure for two parking attendants starting in fiscal year 2020, which begins on July 1. Strengthened parking enforcement, along with the creation of designated spaces for short- and long-term users and merchants, aim to improve parking circulation and space turnover in our business districts.

Currently, most spaces in the downtown area are posted with a one-hour limit. However, a parking study confirmed that almost 40 percent of downtown-area spaces are occupied for more than four hours at a time.

As of July 1, parking spots will have two-hour durations unless otherwise posted, Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be designated longer-term spaces for those who need to stay in a spot for up to four hours, as well as fifteen-minute spaces for those looking to make a quick stop. Business owners and staff can obtain parking passes and utilize designated merchant spots for their long-term parking needs.

“Making small adjustments to our parking designations can have a significant impact on the circulation of parked cars in areas of high demand,” explained Town Administrator Steve Maio. “By better enforcing time limitations, and offering visitors and merchants longer-term options, we can increase availability in prime locations and still accommodate those looking to stay for extended periods. We’ll create better access for individuals who want to frequent downtown destinations and discourage those using our prime spaces for commuter-rail parking. The benefit of this initiative is its fluidity; parking designations can easily be adjusted as we analyze usage.”

FAQs

I sometimes have appointments and lunches that last several hours. Will I get a ticket?

We understand that not all business can be accomplished in just two hours. We have designated spaces throughout the downtown for those who need to spend up to four hours in one parking space. Since the two-hour limitations expire at 6 p.m., those enjoying an extended dinner will not be impacted.

Can I appeal a citation if I receive one?

Wakefield already has an appeal procedure for parking citations and that process will not change. An appeal can be done online or by printing and submitting this form to the Parking Clerk’s office in Town Hall.

Who will be issuing citations?

The Wakefield Police Department has, and will continue to have, authority to issue parking tickets at any time. Their efforts will be supplemented by two part-time, civilian parking clerks. The addition of dedicated parking attendants will allow stronger enforcement without taking resources away from public-safety priorities. These uniformed clerks will have radio access to public safety dispatch in the event of an emergency and will be first-responder trained. They will report into the police department.

Where will our merchants park? Will they be negatively impacted having to park in other areas of the downtown?

This initiative was developed to create opportunity for local businesses and provide visitors with better access to area establishments. Most merchants recognize it’s a best practice to free up spaces near their businesses and park their personal vehicles in alternate spots whenever possible. By providing merchant-parking areas around the downtown where they can park for extended periods, prime spaces can be used by customers. Merchant-parking permits can be obtained in the Town Administrator’s office in Town Hall at 1 Lafayette Street for a nominal $10 annual fee.

Are parking meters being installed?

Parking meters are not being installed and parking will remain free to visitors in these locations.

Will two-hour parking be standard throughout town?

Limitations are in effect where posted. If a street has no signage, there are no restrictions in that area.