City of Newburyport Announces Parking, Traffic Management and Enforcement Changes to Plum Island Area

NEWBURYPORT — Mayor Donna D. Holaday announces the City will be implementing new weekend parking restrictions and increased traffic management and enforcement of the Plum Island beaches and public areas in order to reduce overcrowding and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“With summer in full swing, it’s understandable that more people are looking to enjoy the outdoors during this beautiful time of year,” Mayor Holaday said. “However, it’s important to remember that we must still be following the necessary guidelines to prevent any further spread of COVID-19. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.”

Effective immediately, the following changes will be put in place.

Plum Island Point Public Lot Weekend Restrictions

The Plum Island Point Public Lot will be restricted to residents only on the following weekends:  

• July 25 and 26
• August 1 and 2
• August 8 and 9
• August 15 and 16
• August 22 and 23
• August 29 and 30
• September 5 and 6

Residents will be able to park their vehicles in the lot on weekends at the discounted resident rate of $12 per day. 

Vehicles will need to have the one of following for proof of residency in order to park in the lot:

• Active City of Newburyport Resident Parking Pass for Vehicle
• Current City of Newburyport Yard Waste Sticker Displayed on Vehicle
• Plum Island Parking Lot 2020 vehicle sticker. This sticker is available at no cost by registering vehicle in person at the Harbormaster Office at 27R Water Street during normal business hours.

Traffic Management Improvements

To reduce traffic congestion and improve public safety, the City will be taking the following measures beginning Saturday, July 25 through Monday, September 6:

• Create safe turn around area at the end of Northern Boulevard:  The paved area at the entrance of the public lot will be designated a turn-around area to allow vehicles to safely reverse direction. Cars will not be allowed to queue or block traffic Northern Blvd. 
• Place electronic sign boards on Northern Boulevard at 51st Street and on the Plum Island Turnpike notifying public that the Newburyport beach lot is open to residents only and no parking will be strictly enforced.
• Install “No Parking, no Beach Access” signs on the ocean side (Odd numbered) streets off Northern Boulevard.

Increased Parking Enforcement

No parking will be allowed on Northern Boulevard. All streets off of Northern Boulevard will be strictly enforcement. Violators will be ticketed and towed.

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