BOSTON
- Wednesday, November 25, 2020 - As a way to support Boston's small
businesses during the holiday season, Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced
that the City of Boston will provide two hours of free parking at the
city's 8,000 metered spaces on Saturdays during the holiday season,
beginning this Saturday, November 28 (Small Business Saturday). Parking
meters are located throughout Boston's downtown, as well as in several of
the city's residential neighborhoods that host commercial districts,
including Boston's Main Streets.
The
City is also offering a holiday discount for the Bluebikes bike-sharing program,
including a 30 percent discount on annual memberships on Monday, November
30 (Cyber Monday). Additionally, free 90-day passes are still available for
employees in retail shops and restaurants in Boston. These efforts build on
the City's ongoing commitment to support small businesses that have been
hit hardest during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"While
shopping during the holiday season will look different this year, we are
doing more than ever to help our small businesses get through a very
difficult time," said Mayor Walsh. "Our small businesses
contribute so much to our local economy, and I encourage everyone to shop
safely and shop local this year."
Two
hours of free parking at metered spaces will be offered in Boston on the
following days:
- Saturday, November 28 (Small
Business Saturday)
- Saturday, December 5
- Saturday, December 12
- Saturday, December 19
- Saturday, December 26
While
payment at meters will not be required on these five days, the time limit
on the meters will be in effect. The purpose of this is to allow as many
customers as possible a chance to take advantage of this opportunity.
"We
are pleased to provide this incentive for Boston residents to shop locally
this holiday season," said Boston Transportation Department
Commissioner Greg Rooney. "Parking meters are located throughout
several of Boston's neighborhood commercial districts, and I encourage
drivers to take advantage of this opportunity."
The
City is asking everyone who participates in in-person shopping this weekend
and this holiday season to take steps to stay safe from COVID-19,
including: wearing a face covering in public, staying 6 feet apart from
others whenever possible, avoiding crowds and crowded places, bringing an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer and washing your hands often, and staying home
if you are sick. The City is also encouraging shoppers to consider
alternative, safer options including shopping online, using contactless services,
such as curbside pick-up, and shopping in open air markets.
To
date, a total of more than $9.6 million in debt-free grants have been
issued to 3,391 small businesses across Boston. The Office of Economic
Development's Small Business Unit continues to engage with Boston's
business owners through weekly calls, office hours, and ongoing surveys in
order to best understand their needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Small
Business owners are encouraged to complete Survey
#10 to share their thoughts and experiences to better shape our
programs and policies to serve the small business community. For additional
questions, the Small Business Unit can be reached at smallbiz@boston.gov. |
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