Salem Rents Parking Lot for Busy Season

The Salem News recently reported that the vacant lot on Derby Street will be used during the fall and winter seasons as a parking lot for the city. Salem’s parking director stated that the lot will be able to hold between 70 and 80 cars depending on the layout.

The lot, which is owned by local businessman Henry Bertolon, will serve as a partial solution to the downtown parking issues that come along with the hectic Halloween season. However, for two weeks in October the lot will be closed to house the annual carnival that has taken place in the lot for the past several years.

Although pricing has not been established, the city will be charging for parking in the lot. How the city will manage the lot has also yet to be decided.

"We're trying to respond to the concerns expressed by residents and merchants," said Jason Silva, chief administrative aide to the Mayor.  Mayor Driscoll’s agreement with the lot owners includes a payment of $5,000 a month from October to January, as well as the potential to extend the renal into next year.

Read the entire Salem News article.