Goodbye face masks and social distancing; hello paid on-street parking. 

With the COVID pandemic waning across the state (although the positivity rate in Cumberland remains high), Fayetteville officials are trying to return to normal.

And in this case, “normal” means implementing the downtown paid-parking plan that was approved in November 2019, but delayed during the pandemic as businesses were looking for every edge that they could find to keep customers stopping by -- even if only to pick up a to-go order.

With the tourism season — notably the Woodpeckers — back in the swing of things, the paid on-street parking plan kicks off July 1. According to a news release from the city, 34 payment kiosks are located throughout the downtown area. Instead of feeding meters with coins as in older times, Fayetteville’s modern pay-to park plan uses the latest technology, including an app that will allow parkers to skip the kiosk system altogether.

The city also is providing a period for people to get used to the news rules.

“During the two-week grace period following July 1, warning notices will be issued to those not complying with paid downtown parking. Tickets and penalties will not be issued,” according to a statement from the city.

Following the start of paid downtown parking the goal is to educate everyone on compliance. 

“We appreciate the patience of downtown visitors as we transition to paid on-street parking,” Assistant Public Services Director Lee Jernigan said. “Our goal is to focus on education and compliance during our two-week warning period. The City and our vendor, Park Fayetteville, will continue to monitor operations during the transition to determine if any adjustments need to be made.”

Feedback can be provided through the Park Fayetteville website, parkfayettevillenc.com or by calling 910-222-0302 with questions.