Downtown Parking Ban Extended

Source: amherstma.gov

Even though the snowstorm is over, our Department of Public Works crews are still hard at work clearing snow from the downtown area. To ensure safe and efficient snow removal, we encourage drivers to minimize on-street parking over the next few days. We are not able to clear snow from under or around vehicles, which results in vehicles being buried or windrows being left behind. 

Downtown Parking Ban
The Town of Amherst is also declaring a Downtown Parking Ban from 11:59 pm on Wednesday, January 28 to 7:00 am on Thursday, January 29. Parking is completely prohibited in the downtown area on the following streets and parking lots:

• Main Street from South Pleasant Street to Webster Street 
• South Pleasant from College Street to Main Street 
• Amity Street from South Pleasant Street to Lincoln Avenue 
• North Pleasant from Main Street to Triangle Street 
• East Pleasant from North Pleasant Street to Triangle Street 
• Spring Street from Churchill Street to Boltwood Ave 
• Boltwood Ave from College Street to Main Street 
• Sellen Street from South Prospect Street to South Pleasant Street 
• Lessey Street from Churchill Street to dead end 
• Churchill Street from Spring Street to Lessey Street 
• All metered spots on North Prospect Street, Hallock Street, and South Prospect Street
• All Town of Amherst parking lots (exceptions listed below)

During a declared parking ban, the following lots will remain available for overnight parking:  

1. The lower level of the parking garage.
2. The town portion of the Pray Street Lot.
3. Northern row of the town N Pleasant St Lot (row closest to church only).

Otherwise, vehicles will be ticketed and towed nightly, at the owner’s expense. Regular enforcement hours for these lots begin at 8 a.m. Any vehicles left parked in these designated parking areas are responsible to pay for parking. View a map of Amherst center parking. 

While allowable during the daytime hours, we encourage drivers to minimize on-street parking and parking in downtown lots to assist the crews in clearing the roads. We are not able to clear snow from under or around vehicles, which results in vehicles being buried or windrows being left behind. 

Other Winter Weather Reminders 

• Property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from their sidewalks no later than 24 hours after the end of the precipitation. Owners are also encouraged to dig out their nearest fire hydrant. Learn more about sidewalk snow removal responsibilities and enforcement.
  
• Enforcement of sidewalk clearing is done by the Inspections Department. Any issues with sidewalks not being cleared can be reported online through the Property Complaint Form or by calling 413-259-3030. 
  
• If, in the unfortunate event, your mailbox or property is damaged during town plowing operations, please submit a Service Request through SeeClickFix within 48 hours of the damage so that we can assess it in a timely manner. Damage caused by a direct plow strike, not snow coming off the plow blade, will be considered for repair/replacement.

Ways to Stay Informed 

• Sign up for Parking Ban alerts in your language of choice by clicking here or texting the word “Parking” to 38276 from your mobile device.
  
• Watch for the flashing blue lights over major intersections in Town. When these lights are flashing, there is an active parking ban in place. 
  
• Visit our website (www.amherstma.gov) to stay up-to-date on the latest announcements, news, and alerts.
  
• Follow us on social media (Facebook & Instagram).
  
• Call 413-259-3005 and listen to the recording to hear whether or not there is an active parking ban in place.