Downtown Parking Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns and maintains the municipal parking lots in Downtown Westfield?

The City of Westfield owns and maintains ten municipal off-street parking lots located throughout the Downtown area. There are a few privately-owned lots in Downtown that are not governed by the City but enforced and regulated by property owners.

Where are these off-street parking lots located, and how many spaces does each have?

Thomas Street – 96 spaces                                 Central Street – 50 spaces                                        Reader 1/Church Street – 23 spaces                

Reader 3/School Street – 28 spaces                Franklin Street – 64 spaces                                      Depot Square/North Elm Street – 50 spaces              

Main Street Restaurant Lot – 20 spaces        Elm Street Plaza – 78 spaces                                   Riverwalk/Meadow Street – 24 spaces                           

Railroad Avenue – 30 spaces

When is parking enforcement in effect?

Parking enforcement occurs Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Is parking free in the evenings or on weekends?

Yes. Parking is free every day after 5:00 pm, and parking is free all day on Saturday and Sunday.

How many free hours of parking are allowed during enforcement hours?

Most of our Off-Street lots allow three free hours of parking Monday through Friday. The only exception is the Reader 1/Church Street Lot, which allows for two free hours to encourage quicker turnover for retail business customers.

What happens if I need to park longer than the free period?

You can purchase additional parking time from the meter machine located in the Franklin Street Lot if you plan to stay beyond the free hours between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Can I get a monthly or annual parking permit?

Yes. Monthly parking permits cost $20 per month or $200 per year. Permits allow unlimited parking in all off-street lots except the Reader 1 Lot and the Main Street/Restaurant Lot. Permits can be purchased weekdays from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm at Westfield City Hall, 59 Court Street, Room 217.

Can parking permits be shared?

Yes. Parking permits can be shared, but only allow for one vehicle to be parked at a given time.  For instance, a downtown business can purchase monthly passes that can be shared by their employees or guests, provided that the pass is only valid to be displayed by one car at any given time.

Where does the money from parking permits go?

All parking permit revenue goes directly toward maintenance of the off-street municipal parking lots.

Are there on-street parking options Downtown?

Yes. There are on-street parking spaces along Elm Street, School Street, and Church Street. These are generally limited to one-hour parking.

Who do I call if I have a concern or suggestion?

Feel free to contact the Office of the Parking Clerk at (413) 572-6202 with any questions. Emails can be sent to Peter Miller, Parking Clerk, at p.miller@cityofwestfield.org. The Off-Street Parking Commission generally meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 pm at Westfield City Hall. The Commission hears public comment at the beginning of each meeting.