AGAIN?

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 672)

A citywide parking ban for the City of Portland has been declared beginning at 6 pm tonight, February 2nd and ending at 6 am tomorrow morning, February 3rd.  The parking ban will allow city crews to remove snow from today’s storm and clear streets for parking.  The city asks residents whose trash collection day is Thursday to wait until tomorrow morning, 6:30 am, before placing trash and recycling at the curb for pick-up.

Vehicles left on the street during a ban will be towed at the owner’s expense and it can be an expensive tow.   Vehicles will be towed to the city’s impound lot located at the Ocean Gateway International Marine Terminal at 40 Commercial Street (phone number 774-3025).

There are a number of places people can park at no charge during a parking ban including:  Deering Oaks – on the left hand side of Tennis Court Road only; State Street gravel lot – abutting Deering Oaks; Fitzpatrick Stadium parking lot; Hadlock Field parking lot; All Portland Public School lots EXCEPT the lot at Reiche School which abuts the school and playground; CUTTER STREET LOTS  (off the Eastern Prom); Beach Street lot accessible from Commercial Street (this lot is available after 8 pm); Lodt across the street from the International Marine Terminal on Commercial Street (corner of Park and Commercial Streets); on Peaks Island, snow ban parking is available at the Welch Street parking lot; Many parking garages in the area are open for parking bans at reduced rates – check with individual garages for rates and hours.

Vehicles can begin to park in these designated areas at 5 pm tonight.  Vehicles must be moved from the city lots by 7 am tomorrow morning.

Residents and visitors to the city can sign up online to receive notices from the city when a city-wide parking ban is implemented.  People can also call the parking ban hotline at 879-0300 or check the Time and Temperature sign for up-to-date postings.

City Hall and other City of Portland municipal offices will be closed today for non-essential personnel.