The Town of Camden issued the following information Sept. 11 about parking in the downtown:

Expanded Paid Parking Details

The expanded paid parking program has not yet officially launched. Currently, two-hour parking on streets and in parking lots remains the same (free). The previous kiosks at the public landing have been replaced, but they too are not yet operational. Parking enforcement will continue through Oct. 15, as usual.

When the program is launched, the rate will be $2/hour, which is a change from information that has been provided since May and at Tuesday night's Select Board meeting. 

Green, blue and white parking lines have been painted and kiosks have been installed, but the portal to register for Camden resident permits is not yet available. The program will not be live until the portal is available and residents have had time to sign up.

Camden Resident Permit

Camden residents who register a vehicle(s) in Camden are eligible for two free hours of parking daily. To sign up, residents will access a portal online and provide contact information and their license plate number, and upload a photo of the registration for verification. No window stickers or placards.

Free resident permit parking is a two-hour block, initiated either by text, at a kiosk or via the ParkMobile app. Once the clock has started the vehicle can be relocated to any green space during the two hours.

Resident permits do not allow using some time in the morning and some time in the afternoon as there is no way we can track and manage 15- or 30-minute stops morning, noon, and afternoon. And during the summer, locals often avoid the busy times downtown anyway, or don't bother to try and find a Main Street parking space at high noon.

Just like we all know, the back roads to avoid the Stop-n-Go/Village Variety light traffic jam on Friday afternoons, we know where to park away from downtown. Find a favorite blue space closest to where you want to do business and keep that in mind for second trips into town.

Additional updates and news, including the launch date and how to access the resident permit portal will be posted in as many places and ways as possible.

To receive updates via text, sign up for TextMyGov and text CamdenGeneral to 91896.

To receive updates in your email inbox, send email to handerson@camdenmaine.gov to be added to the list.