-By Dan Murphy
A representative of the Boston Common Garage was on hand at the Beacon Hill Civic Association (BHCA) Traffic and Parking Committee meeting Thursday to address community concerns with the operation.
Fred Peterson, director of facilities and operations for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA), which owns the underground garage, said the firm was in the process of renewing its lease with the current management company or selecting another applicant for the job.
In response to questions about the terms of discounted rates for local residents during snow emergencies, Peterson said the MCCA would consider a formal policy on the matter, although one isn’t presently in place. Residents can now claim their discounts at the management office when they retrieve their vehicles, he said.
Peterson said the MCCA would also consider offering discounted rates to patrons of Charles Street shops and agreed to meet with members of the Beacon Hill Business Association to discuss the matter.
As for extending the checkout time for overnight parking from 8 to 10 a.m., Peterson said the MCCA would consider the request. “I’m still optimistic this will happen,” Traffic and Parking Committee Chair Steve Young told the Times.
Meanwhile, Peterson agreed that the MCCA should work with the community to find mutually beneficial ways to fill the garage at times when the facility is underutilized.