Governor Patrick Celebrates Transportation Investments at Beverly Commuter Rail Garage

Press Release

Governor Deval Patrick today joined state and local officials, residents and business owners to celebrate the opening of the new Beverly Commuter Rail parking garage. The garage will be open for customers beginning at the start of commuter rail service tomorrow, Saturday, August 2.

"When we partner with cities and towns by investing in local infrastructure, we support economic growth and we strengthen communities where residents can live, work and play," said Governor Patrick. "Through this funding, we are paving the way for future opportunities that will advance economic development in Beverly and help build a brighter future for the Commonwealth."

The garage project was designed in compliance with Executive Order No. 484, which directs state agencies to prioritize practices and programs that address resource use at state facilities, such as reducing energy consumption derived from fossil fuels and emissions associated with the consumption. The garage features a number of sustainable and environmentally-friendly elements including photovoltaic solar panels; electric vehicle charging stations; a "snowmelter" on its roof that will allow for snow to be melted on-site instead of being removed by plows and a lighting system designed to utilize natural daylight, energy-efficient lighting and energy-saving lighting controls. The new garage also adds an additional 500 new parking spaces to one of the state's busiest Commuter Rail stations, which serves over 2,000 Boston-bound customers on an average weekday, and makes the station fully handicap accessible, with multiple accessible spaces on each level of the garage, new elevators and a covered accessible walkway from the garage to the existing Beverly Depot platform.

"This is truly an example of local, state and federal cooperation over time to accomplish a much-needed result for Beverly and area commuters. Persistence and commitment mark this achievement and I thank Governor Patrick, Mayor Cahill, former Beverly Mayor Scanlon, the state legislative delegation, and City of Beverly officials for their commitment to the Beverly Garage project which will be the corner stone of future economic development projects in the area," said Congressman John Tierney. "It has been a pleasure to work with them and to now witness what is the culmination of ten years of work to secure nearly $5 million in federal funding to combine with their resources to ensure this important infrastructure project for the Beverly community."

With MassDOT's focus on increasing "multi-modal' transit, the garage also features an enclosed "Pedal & Park" bike storage area with capacity for 48 bikes and Zipcar® services on-site.

The garage has multiple security cameras that can be viewed in local police stations as well as by Transit Police. If a call button in the garage is hit, police will be able to see callers instantaneously on camera. There will also be an attendant on duty 24-hours a day. LAZ Parking, the MBTA's main parking contractor, will manage the garage. Rates at the garage begin at $5.00 for the first fourteen hours, $12.00 after fourteen hours and $12.00 for each additional day.

"The MBTA has been working diligently to increase accessibility to our services across the system," said MBTA General Manager Dr. Beverly Scott. "This garage represents a great improvement in access -- through convenience as well as compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act -- for residents of Beverly and visitors alike."

Beginning with the first public meeting in March of 2011, the design of the Beverly Depot Garage was developed with a high level of community participation and local involvement. Input from residents and local business owners helped shape a final product that was able to marry their needs with those of the MBTA. The garage structure is designed to support four levels of future development on top of its structure and is set back from Rantoul Street 85 feet to allow for future street front development. Patrons of local businesses may also utilize the garage for parking. The Beverly Depot parking garage was designed to help traffic flow in the area, with dual entrances and exits on Rantoul Street and Court Street to help prevent back up on to one of Beverly's busiest streets.

With a continued focus on investing in infrastructure that expands both transportation access and economic development, the Commonwealth contributed almost $26 million of the $34.1 million total project budget; with the remainder coming from MBTA, federal and city funds. Along with a new garage set to open at the Salem Commuter Rail station this fall, the Administration's commitment to improving transportation options with facilities that promote multi-modal trips to and from Boston and its suburbs continues to strengthen on the North Shore.

"As someone who grew up in Beverly, it gives me great pride to welcome this new parking garage," said Senator Joan Lovely. "Combined with the upcoming garage in Salem, this facility will ensure that the North Shore continues to be a convenient place to call home for all those who regularly commute into Boston."

"I am very pleased that the state made a significant investment to improve the transportation infrastructure of our region," said Representative Jerry Parisella. "Beverly is one of the busiest commuter rail stops in the MBTA system and this garage will provide reliable parking and encourage residents to take mass transit into Boston and other stops on the Rockport and Newburyport lines. This garage will also help encourage future economic development in the City."

"This garage represents great opportunity to help revitalize our downtown, providing parking to commuters, residents and visitors. It will also support transit-oriented development, both residential and retail, that our downtown needs to thrive," said Beverly Mayor Michael Cahill.

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