Arlington Residents 65+ Soon Can Park For Free Near Senior Center

ARLINGTON, MA — The Town of Arlington's Council on Aging (COA) has announced details about a new pilot program that will allow seniors to park for free while attending events at the Arlington Senior Center.

The two-year program, which will begin Sept. 7, will provide parking relief for residents ages 65 and older in the area around the center, located at 27 Maple Street.

The Arlington Select Board approved the program at its June 26 meeting. The program was proposed by Kristine Shah, the executive director of the Arlington COA, and supported by over 100 seniors who attended the Select Board meeting.

"Parking has always been a big topic of conversation here at the Community Center," Shah said. "We hope that this program eases the burden of cost and allows seniors to stay in the building for longer periods of time to attend programs and services."

In order to take advantage of the program, seniors will need to obtain a parking sticker, which can be done a few different ways, according to the COA.

Seniors can apply online if they have a Google/Gmail account. If seniors apply online, the parking sticker will be mailed after Sept. 7.

Otherwise, seniors can apply in person during scheduled sign-up periods, which are from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. every Thursday beginning on Sept. 7.

In order to apply, seniors will need a copy of their vehicle registration showing an Arlington address and a photo ID showing an Arlington address.

According to the COA, the parking sticker benefits include:

• Parking in Russell Common and Rail Road Lots for free any time the meters are in effect.
• Parking in any metered space on Mass Avenue, Broadway Avenue, Alton Street, Medford Street, Court Street, or at the Robbins Library for free for up to four hours.
• Parking along Maple Street or Academy Street while in the Community Center for COA programming or appointments. The four-hour maximum time limit on Academy Street will not be enforced.

Additional rules and requirements about the parking program are available on the COA page on the Town of Arlington website.