Feb. 17—In a show of "community goodwill" toward its East Boston neighbors, Massport board members voted unanimously to open its Logan Airport garage doors to local residents during snow emergencies.
"Not only is this providing an opportunity for East Boston residents' community goodwill, but I believe that it truly will make lives a little bit easier for East Boston residents in snowstorms," Massport's Director of Community Relations and Public Affairs Alaina Coppola said during a Thursday meeting.
Coppola said the program would be made possible due to "fluctuating passenger volumes" freeing up space in Logan Airport's economy garage.
The program would take effect any time a snow emergency — and therefore a parking ban — was declared in East Boston. Eastie residents could park in the economy lot for free until 24 hours after the parking ban lifts.
She added that Massport would lean on social media and local politicians to get the word out about the free parking, pending space availability in the garage.
Board member John Nucci called the idea "a no-brainer" and "long overdue." He added that it'll also help everyone by clearing the streets quicker in the neighborhood.
Only those with East Boston addresses on their driver's licenses would be eligible to participate in the program. Coppola estimated that there would typically be at least 75 spots available.
She made clear, though, that "we're not going to be able to accommodate hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of vehicles if that's what the demand is," she said. "We're going to do our best because we want to be good neighbors."
Coppola said that this could only be a temporary solution as demand for airport parking is lowered during the pandemic.
"As activity returns, it's going to be a challenge, and we're going to do our best to continue to offer this, but it's not going to be in an open-ended fashion, I'm afraid," she said. Several board members suggested looking for additional parking space going forward.
Board member Warren Fields suggested looking to expand the parking privileges to residents outside of East Boston eventually as well.
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