North Conway, New Hampshire is regarded as one of the best ski towns in the United States. In fact, it was just ranked third in the U.S.A. Today’s Top 10 Ski Towns list. With this distinction comes popularity and crowds, which creates some pretty brutal traffic. Take it from someone who lives in New Hampshire: the traffic in North Conway during peak periods is among the worst in the state.
To counter this trend, the Conway Daily Sun reports that the Town of Conway is considering adding paid parking to the North Conway village. They are also considering adding paid parking to various public recreational spots around town.
It could cost $2 per hour plus fees from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Monday thru Saturday and 12 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday to park around the North Conway village. This parking area will be along Route 16 from Depot to Pine Street, and will also include the side roads in this area. The public recreational spots could also cost $2 per hour to park, which will be active from Father’s Day to Columbus Day from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. These spots would likely include the First Bridge, Davis Park, Smith-Eastman, and Conway Lake Beach.
Employees that work around these streets will have passes that will allow them to park there for free. Locals would likely be allowed to pick up parking permits that will allow them to use the towns’ recreational spots that is free of parking charges. Unfourtanely, it sounds like locals would pay for parking around the North Conway village, albeit at a discounted rate.
Some local businesses, like the Conway Scenic Railroad and Zebs, are opposed to these plans, due to it possibly leading to fewer visitors. I don’t think it will affect tourists that much, as it’s a small amount that is more of a nuisance than anything. I imagine this will be a pain for locals though, so hopefully, they find a solution that will not deter them from hanging out around the village.
A description of the paid parking proposal from the Town of Conway is below.
Image Credits(In Chronological Order): Conway Scenic Railroad, Zebs, Hospitalitymaps.com, Town of Conway
