Bill > S1094

This bill, titled the Parking Advancements for the Revitalization of Communities (PARC) Act, modifies existing Massachusetts General Laws related to municipal parking. Specifically, it amends Section 22A of Chapter 40 to allow cities and towns to set parking meter fees at rates they determine, not just to cover the direct costs of parking meters and traffic regulation, but also to fund a broader range of improvements. These expanded uses include acquiring, installing, maintaining, and operating parking meters and other payment and enforcement technology, managing parking personnel, improving public spaces, and supporting transportation initiatives like public transit, biking, and walking facilities. Additionally, the bill amends Section 22C of Chapter 40 to align its provisions with these expanded uses outlined in Section 22A. Finally, it introduces a new section, 22A½, which permits municipalities to establish "parking benefit districts," geographically defined areas where parking revenue collected within that district can be specifically allocated to fund projects and purposes within that same district, managed by a designated municipal body such as a business improvement district or a main streets organization.