GREENFIELD — The town is implementing parking changes, including a hybrid-lottery system for selling 2017 parking permits for public lots, effective Nov. 1.
In order to handle the increased demand for public parking created by the return of the courthouse downtown, permits will be designated to specific lots, as they have been in the past, and limited to the number of spaces available.
“We know there will be strong demand for permits,” said John Lunt, assistant to the mayor for special projects, in a news release. “A lottery system will allow people an equal chance to get a spot in their preferred lot. In addition, we are providing pricing options that we hope will allow people to prioritize a lower price or a shorter walk.”
The 2017 parking permit selection date lottery entry form will be open for signup through Oct. 20 at noon. The entry form can be found at greenfield-ma.gov/parking or filled out at the Treasurer/Collector’s Office in Town Hall. At the end of the sign-up period, entrants will be assigned a selection date at random. On the assigned date, the participant will be able to purchase a permit for available parking lots on a first-come-first-served basis at Town Hall.
Lindsay Rowe, communications and constituent services coordinator for the town, said in the release that the hybrid-lottery approach was selected after the town looked at many options. She said that in the past, the town has used a pure lottery system — however, it limits choice for the applicant.
“A true ‘first-come-first-served’ policy would cause inconvenience to purchasers — the line would get quite long and processing applications would take many hours. We don’t want people to wait in line all day. This hybrid approach is designed to allow purchasers to make a decision about where they want to park, while reducing the time permit purchasers spend in line.”
Lottery entrants will be notified about their selection date via email on Oct. 21. A list of the results will also be posted in Town Hall and at greenfield-ma.gov/parking. Selection will take place Oct. 24 to 28.
Any permits remaining after these dates will be available on a first-come-first-served basis on Oct. 31 in Town Hall. For 2016 permit holders who do not purchase a 2017 permit, their permits will remain valid in Chapman/Davis Street lot or the Olive Street lot until Dec. 31.