MYSTIC, CT – Mystic Arts Center (MAC) is making improvements to its parking system in downtown Mystic this week.
Crews are modifying the system beginning today, to issue a ticket upon entering rather than the current credit card swipe. Upon exiting, the system will take the same validation coupons and credit/debit cards for payment as before, but they will be inserted into the machine rather than swiped. Those using the system will also be aided by voice prompts and improved signage.
New signage has also been placed on Water Street to inform the public of available parking downtown, and MAC is working with downtown merchants to create accompanying signage for businesses. Due to safety issues, MAC encourages the Route 1 entrance to be used by residents only. Use of the Route 1 entrance will not enable general parkers to use validation coupons.
In addition to the new improvements, MAC will give all parkers the first half hour free. The system will continue to accommodate the proximity and access cards currently used by homeowners and tenants.
The changes are in response to input from the community, and were announced May 3rd during a Mystic downtown merchants meeting held at MAC.
Local merchants still have the option to offer the same parking validation coupons to their customers and employees, which can be purchased at Mystic Arts Center in increments of ½ hour, 1 hour and 2 hour tickets for a discounted price of only $1 per hour. MAC is also working with the Mystic Chamber of Commerce to promote the parking validation program and broaden the public’s awareness of the parking lot and to dispel the perception of lack of available parking in downtown Mystic.
"After studying the issues for the past 4 months, we believe these changes will result in a system that will be more intuitive and user-friendly and will provide a significant and ongoing benefit to the patrons of downtown merchants," says Mystic Arts Center Executive Director, Karen Barthelson.
Parking rates in the Mystic Arts Center parking lot have not changed since 2007 and remain at $3 per hour for the general public. Parking vouchers are provided for MAC patrons upon request at the Mystic Arts Center.
For more information regarding MAC’s parking lot contact Andrea Frickman, Development Manager at development@mysticarts.org or call 860.536.7601 x203.
