$2.00 Parking Fee Coming Sunday At Port Of Everett Waterfront Place

Sunday was the opening day for the Everett Farmers Market at Boxcar Park on the Everett Waterfront at the Port of Everett.

As people pulled up to park for a visit to the market they were handed a notice from the folks working the parking lot that starting May 19th there would be a $2.00 charge for parking.

Beyond that notice, MyEverettNews.com reached out to the Port of Everett for more context on the issue. Lisa Lefeber provided us with the following answers to our questions in bold and also provided this link for further Questions and Answers.

Was this driven by any particular thing?

We have received numerous and ongoing complaints about the lack of parking management on the waterfront from market patrons, marina tenants and property tenants. Two years ago, we implemented a $2 event parking fee for all events, except the market because the Port and the Market didn’t have an effective way to collect it. With this interim parking contract (we are going out for proposals for parking services), it provided the ability to be consistent on our event charges. Here is a Q&A for more details: www.portofeverett.com/parking

Confirming people visiting the Yacht Club or using central docks, can get a permit or pass, what about their guests?

Central Marina Slipholders, Milltown Sailing, and Everett and Mukilteo Yacht Club members can access the marina reserved slipholder parking or short term (2 hour) visitor parking around the club house in Central Docks with a valid marina permit or yacht club credential. Guests will continue to park in available visitor parking during their visit.

Will people visiting Bluewater or Scuttlebutt on Sunday have to pay to park?

Yes. Much of the Sunday traffic is related to Farmer’s Market so there isn’t an equitable way to separate the parking areas or keep the adjacent parking open for people visiting the restaurants alone. However, the improved parking oversight benefits all waterfront-goers and with a low price for parking, we believe it won’t be a deterrent for visitors wanting to enjoy all the neighborhood has to offer. However, the $2 fee only applies during the market hours, so those visiting for dinner, wouldn’t be subject to the fee.

Obviously there is a cut going to Diamond but does the Farmers Market receive any of the parking proceeds or just the Port?

All parking fees collected will be used to offset the costs associated with parking management and parking related expenses such as maintenance and infrastructure. Parking fines (amounts charged to violators) goes to Diamond. It is important to note that the Everett Farmer’s Market is an important part of the waterfront and the Port supports the Market in a variety of ways including offsetting market rent based on the community benefit of the market, this parking service will be another future benefit to the market.