Starting February 1, the daily charge for non-resident parking in the commuter rail lot near Donelan’s will rise from $3 to $5.
The Board of Selectmen voted the increase in December — the first price hike in about 15 years. Lincoln’s fee was considerably lower than those for other towns with commuter rail lots. Selectmen briefly debated raising the price to $4, but the lots still accept only cash payments, and “I’m looking at four folded one dollar bills stuffed into the slot vs one five dollar bill,” Selectman Jennifer Glass said.
The town will explore getting a pay-by-phone app this spring after the Annual Town Meeting, said Director of Planning and Land Use Jennifer Burney. Selectmen are also considering ways to increase the number of spaces by restriping, removing islands or changing the traffic circulation.
The South Lincoln Planning and Implementation Committee has also hired a consultant to study the idea of creating fund as part of a new parking benefits district, which would require Town Meting approval.
