As the city prepares for a suite of new parking meters to go live next month, residents can park in metered spots downtown for free until March 4.
The installation of the parking meters marks a key component of the city’s overhaul of its downtown parking ordinance, which was adopted by the City Council late last year. Along with the new meters, which accept coins, credit cards, and payment via a smartphone application called Park Smarter, the city has installed kiosks, electric-vehicle chargers, and LED lighting in the area.
The new system is a response to requests from businesses in the city’s downtown and visitors for more visible parking and expanded payment options, Mayor Ted Bettencourt’s office said in a statement.
“Downtown Peabody has undergone a dramatic resurgence in the past 10 years and become a hub of people and commerce,” Bettencourt said in the statement. “Upgrading our parking technology encourages more people to visit the many restaurants, shops, and attractions on Main Street and throughout downtown.”
The $1.5 million project is funded through a combination of state and local grants, Bettencourt’s office said.
