The city has changed parking rules on the increasingly crowded waterfront, including stiffer fines, expanding the times when people have to pay, and prohibiting overnight parking in some lots.
The changes come as more people are expected to visit the waterfront this summer with the recent opening of the new Mission Boathouse restaurant.
The new rules affect an array of city-owned parking areas near the waterfront, with lots at the Mission Boathouse restaurant, next to the harbormaster’s office, under the Beverly-Salem bridge, on the former Rowand’s Seafood property, and across from the Anchor Pub.
The parking lot at Mission Boathouse is owned by the city and is open to the public, not just restaurant customers. There is no charge to park there, but there is a three-hour time limit.
The city proposed banning overnight parking from 1 to 6 a.m. in the lots, with Cahill expressing concern about somebody taking up a parking spot for multiple days when they go out fishing.
The City Council agreed to the overnight restriction for the other lots, but agreed with a motion made by Councilor-at-Large Hannah Bowen to maintain overnight parking in the restaurant lot.