What happens to the surface lot parking permit program once construction of the garage is complete?

Under the agreement, Biddeford RiverWalk Community 1, LLC will take over the management of the following surface lots in the downtown area:

  • Downtown (Yellow) Lot – between Washington and Alfred Streets 
  • Washington Street (Red) Lot 
  • Franklin Street (Green) Lot 
  • Foss Street (Purple) Lot 
  • Alfred Street (Blue) Lot 
  • Gas House (Maroon) Lot 
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant (Brown) Lot

The City will continue to have input on how the surface lots are operated, and Biddeford RiverWalk Community 1 operate the parking program with the City’s goals and agreements in mind. This includes maintaining the free surface lot parking spaces that support local downtown businesses. The City’s Downtown Committee will also continue to meet to address the needs of the downtown community.

Rates, hours and practices will be consistent across all the lots and garage. The City and Biddeford RiverWalk Community 1 have agreed that parking costs in the surface lots will not go up during the garage construction period.

Show All Answers

1. What are the highlights of the approved project?
2. How does a parking garage help property taxpayers?
3. How will the garage be paid for? Will residential property tax dollars be used?
4. Will this agreement affect on-street parking?
5. How much will the parking garage cost to build?
6. How were the revenue projections calculated? What happens if the garage doesn't generate as much revenue as expected?
7. What happens if the garage generates more revenue than projected?
8. What will it be like to park in the garage?
9. What happens to the surface lot parking permit program once construction of the garage is complete?
10. Who will handle operations, maintenance and enforcement?
11. Who will pay for management of the garage?
12. How will the Riverwalk expand as part of the project? Why is it included in this project?
13. What happens at the end of the agreement?
14. Who is included in Biddeford RiverWalk Community 1, LLC's project team?
15. Why was the 3 Lincoln Street site selected for this project?
16. Has the downtown area lost any parking spaces due to recent construction projects or streetscape improvements?
17. How will the traffic impacts of a parking garage in this location be addressed?
18. Does the $15,000,000 listed for a parking garage in the TIF agreement determine the amount of money that can be used to fund payments for a parking garage?
19. How did the closure of the Maine Energy Recovery Company impact the City's tax base?
20. What has been the total tax commitment change since the closure of MERC?
21. What does it mean when you say that there is nearly $40 million in new value that will be generated by the garage over time?