On-street parking in the vicinity of PPL Center in Allentown on non-event nights will be free after 5:00 PM beginning Wednesday, May 1.

The Allentown Parking Authority delivered its official report and notification to the city this afternoon 30 days in advance of any rate change as required by city ordinance. It states that enforcement of metered parking on non-event nights for Hamilton, Linden and Walnut streets between 4th and 12th streets and the unit blocks between Linden and Walnut streets will end at 5:00 PM.

Sunday parking will remain free unless there is an event at PPL Center.

The report was delivered to Mayor Ray O’Connell this afternoon by Authority Chairman Ted Zeller, City Councilperson and Authority member Candida Affa, Authority Executive Director John N. Morgan and Deputy Director George J. Grazer, Jr.

According to the Authority, “the rationale for this adjustment is to support downtown retail businesses and offer free parking to the residents of the City of Allentown, their guests and visitors to the City.”

Allentown City Council approved an ordinance this month that calls for drivers to pay a rate equal to what is being charged in city garages on event nights if they exceed two hours of street parking. Drivers will pay $2 an hour the first two hours at the meter, but then as much as $10 for the third hour.

Event night parking tickets will increase from $10 to $25.

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