Free Parking In Salem Coming To An End

SALEM, MA — Salem will begin enforcing parking meters on all city streets and lots begining June 8.

The lone exceptions will be temporary, 15-minute parking spots the city has set up for restaurant order pickups. The city had already said it would begin enforcing parking regulation in some lots on June 1 in certain lots as Essex County courthouses reopen for some business.

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Salem stopped enforcing parking regulations when Massachusetts declared a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus crisis in March. The state is about to enter the second phase of a four-phase reopening plan in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

Officials also said Salem City Hall would open no sooner than June 15. When it reopens, the building will operate under regular business hours.

"Residents are still able and encouraged to conduct as much City business as possible online via email, the City website, or telephone, even after offices reopen to the public," the city said in a statement. "If you must visit a City office after they reopen, please observe all posted safety restrictions that will be in place inside these buildings."

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Dave Copeland writes for Patch and can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).