Newark to offer free parking downtown this summer

 

NEWARK — In an effort to boost foot traffic downtown during the typically slow summer months, the city of Newark will offer free parking on weekends starting June 16 and running through August 15.

Approved by city council Monday night, the initiative will make parking free on Saturdays and Sundays in all city-run lots and on-street spaces.

Officials hope the move will attract more residents and visitors to the downtown area and give local businesses a summer boost.

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The summer promotion replaces a previous strategy that offered discounts throughout the week during the past two summers.

City officials said those discounts had little effect on increasing downtown traffic and believe free weekend parking will be more appealing to potential visitors.

The city expects to generate $40,000 more in revenue this summer compared to last, due to the return of regular weekday parking fees.

Previous parking initiatives

This isn’t Newark’s first experiment with this type of program.

A pilot program over the winter offered it on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays. Officials said the shift to Saturdays and Sundays was made at the request of business owners and to simplify marketing efforts.

To help spread the word, the city plans to hire a consultant to develop a promotional campaign encouraging people to take advantage of the weekend deal and explore downtown Newark.