State College announced that free borough parking is coming to an end. Here’s what you should know
State College’s free parking at garages, lots and meters is finally coming to an end.
The borough, which made such parking free in March in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, announced Friday that normal parking operations will once again resume Aug. 3. That means on-street parking and the garages on Beaver Avenue, Fraser Street and Pugh Street will all resume charging at that time.
The move was long expected, especially with Penn State students set to officially arrive for the fall semester Aug. 21.
The borough initially suspended payment at garages, lots and meters March 23 in an effort to support downtown merchants while limiting the spread of the coronavirus. It was not immediately known how much revenue the borough lost as a result of the pandemic and making such parking free — a spokesperson did not respond to a Friday afternoon message — but it’s believed to be significant. During Blue-White Weekend alone last year, for example, the borough brought in $84,500 in parking revenue.
According to the borough, free parking will continue through July — but there will be some changes. Starting June 29, there will be a two-hour time limit at meters from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and a three-hour time limit will be put in place at the Allen Street lot, Beaver Avenue lot and McAllister deck. Staff will also continue to enforce overnight parking, from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m., at meters only.
Parking at the three garages will remain free with no time limits through July.
When it comes to the residential neighborhoods, two-hour time restrictions will resume July 6. And the commuter zones adjacent to downtown will not have restrictions from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Permit holders will be contacted next month about resuming their permits and payment schedules, and parking permits will go on sale July 24.
For more information, or for parking questions, visit statecollegepa.us or email staff at parking@statecollegepa.us.
This story was originally published June 26, 2020 at 5:20 PM.
