Press Release: City of Providence Extends #ReThinkPVD Campaign, Free Two-Hour Parking
Liquor Licenses Payments Accepted Over Six Month Period to Support Local Businesses Providence, RI – Mayor Jorge O. Elorza and City Council President Sabina Matos announced today that local ReThinkPVD free two-hour parking in designated commercial districts will be extended through January 1, 2021. Two-hour free parking will also be available on Angell Street and Waterman Street in addition to the previously outlined Providence business corridors. Any business that has applied and been approved for a seasonal outdoor expansion will be given an extension to that expansion through the calendar year in an effort to increase safe and accessible outdoor opportunities. “We know that everything we can do as a city to support and uplift our local businesses right now makes a difference,” said Mayor Jorge Elorza. “As we prioritize health and wellness, I hope that free two-hour parking through the fall and holidays will encourage our neighbors and visitors to frequent local restaurants and retail whiling exploring our community as safely and as often as possible.”
As part of ReThinkPVD, a campaign to redefine how people experience Providence’s world-class cuisine and local economy, establishments can apply at www.ReThinkPVD.com, to use up to two legal parking spaces directly outside of their establishment as designated take-out spaces for up to 15 minutes by patrons. This application is free of charge, and upon approval, establishments will be provided with signage for their designated spaces. City Council President Sabina Matos stated, “I’ve been a longtime advocate of implementing free parking to help support our small business community through this pandemic. This is a small but important step towards encouraging neighbors near and afar to shop locally now and during the upcoming holiday season.”
Additionally, any establishment applying for a Liquor License renewal of all classes will be afforded a payment plan opportunity allowing them to pay their full license fee over the next 6 months. First payments (half of the total license fee) will be due by December 1, 2020. Full payment must be made by May 1, 2021.
The City will continue to offer up to two hours of free parking in designated commercial districts throughout Providence. While parking meter violations will not be issued during free two-hour parking in the specified districts, parking time limits will be enforced. Two hours of free parking will be offered every day from 10:00AM until 9:00PM through January 1 in the following commercial districts:
Atwells Avenue – Bradford Street to Knight Street
Spruce Street – Dean Street to Acorn Street
Dean Street – Atwells Avenue to West Exchange Street
Acorn Street – Spruce Street to Atwells Avenue
Bradford Street – Atwells Avenue to Jones Street
Bond Street – Atwells Avenue to Spruce Street
Broad Street – Public Street to Montgomery Street
Downtown Providence – bounded by Fountain Street, Memorial Boulevard, Weybosset Street, Empire Street and Friendship Street (from Dyer Street to Dorrance Street)
Hope Street – Rochambeau Avenue to Blackstone Boulevard
North Main Street – Thomas Street to Park Row
Olneyville Square – Route 10 to Sydney Street and Delaine Street to Atwood Street to Magnolia Street
South Main Street – James Street to Packet Street
Point Street – From Eddy to East Franklin Street
Thayer Street – Bowen Street to Waterman Street, Angell Street from Prospect Street to Governor Street and Waterman from Prospect Street to Governor
Wayland Square – Including Angell Street and Waterman Street
Wickenden/Ives – Wickenden Street at Benefit Street to Ives Street at Preston Street
As a reminder, as of October 22, 2020, the City will no longer provide exemptions to the “Reduction of Single-Use Checkout Bags by Retail Establishments” Ordinance for excess inventory and will begin issuing warnings to retailers who are not in compliance. Retailers are prohibited from providing plastic bags to customers at checkout, including thicker, “reusable” plastic bags, unless the bags have stitched on handles. For more information, including examples of acceptable and unacceptable bags and FAQs, please visit our website.
For more information on COVID-19, current small business supports, and best practices you can share, residents can visit our website, call to connect to the Mayor’s Center for City Services by dialing 3-1-1, visiting www.PVD311.com, or downloading the PVD311 mobile app on your smartphone for 24/7 access.
