UPDATE: Fall River issues parking ban, parking spot rules, trash pickup, closures, COVID-19 testing ahead of nor’easter storm

Fall River, MA – Mayor Paul Coogan has announced a citywide parking ban, which will go into effect beginning Wednesday, December 16, at 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursday.

Motorists are reminded that when a parking ban is in effect, parking is allowed on the north side of all city streets that run east and west and that parking is allowed on the west side of all streets that run north and south. In most cases, this means no parking on the fire hydrant side.

Motorist are asked to participate in the parking ban to allow emergency vehicles, including police, fire and medical, clear access to all streets while allowing better access to snow plows for cleaner and safer streets.

Parking is not allowed within 20 feet of a corner to allow access for snow removing vehicles. Parking allowed, unless posted, on both sides of any street that is divided by a traffic median, but parking against the median is prohibited.

If any vehicle is in violation of the parking ban and must be towed to clear streets for plows or emergency vehicles, the owner must call 508-324-2577 for the location of the towed vehicle. All towing fees must be paid to the respective tow company prior to release of the stored vehicle.

Parking is available at the following locations until the ban is no longer in effect:

Flint Municipal Parking Lot on Cash Street
Municipal Parking Lot on Columbia Street
Talbot Middle School on Melrose Street
Parking Lot on Hood Street

Please call the following numbers with all and any questions or concerns regarding plowing of streets, the snow storm, or the parking ban:

MAYOR’S OFFICE: 508-324-2600

TRAFFIC DEPT: 508-324-2577, 508-207-2584

DPW:508-324-2760

Closures:
 City Facilities:
o Government Center will be closed on Thursday, December 17th.
o The DPW facility at Lewiston Street will be closed Thursday, December 17th.
o Main Library and all branches will be closed Thursday, December, 17th.

 Trash Disposal:
o Due to the storm, all trash pick-ups will be on a holiday schedule and delayed by one day.

 City Operated Covid-19 Testing:
o The Covid-19 Testing location at the Fall River Fire Department headquarters on Commerce Drive will be closed on Thursday, December 17th.
o The Fire Department will be extending their testing hours on Saturday, December 19th to 8:00am to 3:00pm. Appointments can be made at FRFDCOVID.setmore.com.

Residents are reminded of the following:
 Saving parking spots by placing furniture or household objects in the street is prohibited by law. Placing objects in the street to reserve a parking spot is punishable by fine.

 It is the responsibility of each homeowner to clear sidewalks of snow. Failure to do so is punishable by fine.
o Do not throw snow into the street.
o If there is a fire hydrant located near your property, please ensure that it is cleared so that emergency services can access the hydrant if needed.
o If you are willing to volunteer to clear sidewalks for sick, disabled or elderly residents, please contact the Mayor’s office at 508-324-2600 or 508-324-2601.

School closures, parking bans announced for greater Fall River area