The Summer Street parking Lot in Pittsfield is now open. The new lot replaces the demolished Columbus Avenue Garage and features new paving and lighting. According to a press release from City Hall, the lot is available for permit and metered parking. Beginning today and continuing through this opening week, the city’s parking attendants will be on hand throughout the day to assist patrons in navigating the lot.

 

Reaction on social media has been mixed thus far. On Facebook, the responses have ranged from “It’s a waste of space” and “It should all be free 90-minute parking” to “Thank you for tearing down an eyesore and adding more parking” and “Look’s great, and was done in record speed.”

 

As with other municipal lots in the city, the metered lot on Summer Street is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are several kiosks stationed around the lot for parking customer’s convenience. The parking lot costs 50 cents an hour, but the first 30 minutes are free, as with the city’s other lots and on-street and parking.

 

Parking is free after 4 p.m. on weekdays and parking is free all day on Saturdays and Sundays. Here are also 19 free 90-minute spaces in the alleyway adjacent to the lot.

 

As a reminder, to get started with the parking meter, enter the license plate number in the meter. Once the number has been entered, follow the prompts for the expected time of stay and form of payment. Payment is accepted by coin, credit card or smartphone application, and residents can download the Passport Parking app from either the App Store or Google Play. Once the transaction is complete, the meter will produce a receipt. There is no need to display a ticket in the vehicle.

 

For more information on the Summer Street Lot or the other lots and parking availability around the city, residents can call 413-499-9330.

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