(Access map below.)
Haverhill’s new, 660-space downtown parking garage enjoyed an informal, or “soft,” opening Friday while officials began distributing information about which entrances and exits to use, how to obtain discounted monthly rates and more.
What residents need to know at the outset is the Merrimack Street entrances provide access to the first floor only. There are three exit lanes—two for Pentucket Bank. The first lane, closest to the soon-to-open new branch, and middle lane are teller-assisted exits for banking customers, while the third lane, which offers a 20-minute no-charge grace period, is for non-banking customers to exit. After grace periods, a credit card is the only payment option on the first floor.
Access to the upper five floors is from the back, Park Way—the street that currently runs from Main Street to the back of the police station. Upper levels offer a 10-minute grace period for free exit. Park Way will eventually be rerouted and end at How Street.
LAZ, which is managing the six-level garage at White’s Corner—the intersection of Main, Merrimack and Water Streets—says entrances require pulling a ticket to enter. Those exiting have a choice of payments options—pay at one of two pay-on-foot machines or scan a QR code to pay via mobile wallet, Apple Pay or credit card. The garage uses license plate recognition where the system recognizes vehicles and gates open automatically when fees are paid.
As WHAV reported previously, hourly and daily rates are on display at the garage and range from $1.50 an hour to $11 for up to 24 hours. The former, two-story 1974-era Herbert H. Goecke Jr. Memorial Parking Deck was demolished nearly two years ago.
Monthly rates are $40 for residents and $20 for commuters using the garage between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. Those familiar with rates at the former garage say they are unchanged.
Those with questions may email [email protected].
Map shows access to new 660-space, Merrimack Street garage.