Old Orchard Beach adds free temporary parking spots in downtown

OLD ORCHARD BEACH — The town has added five free temporary parking spots in the downtown.

From May 1 to Labor Day, visitors to downtown Old Orchard Beach must pay to park - either by purchasing metered time or through a seasonal parking pass.

After receiving requests from local businesses, the town has decided to add five free 15-minute parking spots on Old Orchard Street to accommodate customers picking up take-out food orders.

The Town Council on Tuesday night unanimously voted to approve free temporary spots at the following locations:

• 17-21 Old Orchard St.

• 20-22 Old Orchard St.

• 33 Old Orchard St.

• 38 Old Orchard St.

• 42-48 Old Orchard St.

This is an increase from the original proposal, which was to have two free 10-minute parking spaces. The time for the spaces was increased to 15 minutes after a discussion last month, when councilors expressed concern that 10 minutes might not be enough parking time for food pick-up.

Three of the new temporary parking spaces are located at the top of Old Orchard Street, close tp Dickinson’s Candy, Café 64, Red Door Market and Deli, and Beach Bagel.

The other two temporary parking spaces are located further down the hill, close to several popular summer food stands: Lisa’s Pizza, Bill’s Pizza, Pier Fries, and Rocco’s Pizza.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at [email protected].