Early Bar Closing Dropped; Revised Parking Plan Coming this Summer
Barrella and Mayer have words over parking plan
Point Beach Council late Tuesday night unanimously tanked an ordinance mandating that bars stop serving alcohol at midnight, but there was a lot of acrimony over talk of a new parking plan.
The council, as anticipated, voted on first reading to repeal an ordinance for bars to stop serving alcohol at midnight, a measure that was blocked temporarily by the state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control last summer. The ordinance to keep closings at 2 a.m. is scheduled for public hearing and adoption at the Feb. 19 meeting.
The repeal was prompted by the town and Jenkinson's Boardwalk coming to an agreement last month for the town to repeal the measure and for Jenkinson's to drop all legal action against the earlier bar closing ordinance and the parking plan. As part of the agreement, Jenkinson's has also pledged to contribute a maximum of $1 million, over the next 20 years, towards boardwalk repairs necessitated by Sandy that are not reimbursed by the federal government.
Jenkinson's also indicated that it was OK with them if the parking plan was re-established, said Mayor Vincent Barrella.
"They said they had no objection as far south as Atlantic," Barrella said. "That doesn't mean we're going that far south. It just means they said they have no objection that far south."
Martell's Tiki Bar and a group consisting of a marina, commercial fishing boats and residents still have pending lawsuits against the parking plan. The parking plan had been implemented as a pilot program this past summer, restricting overnight parking from midnight to 6 a.m. in District 4.
A New Ordinance Needed to Re-Start Parking Plan
In order to re-establish the parking plan for this year, the council will have to adopt a new ordinance. On Tuesday night, council authorized Municipal Attorney Sean Gertner to draft an ordinance restricting overnight parking from 12:30 to 4 a.m. in District 4 except for Channel Drive.
Councilmember Michael Corbally said ending the parking restriction at 4 a.m. may "eliminate concerns about early morning fishing," which was one of the concerns cited by the lawsuit filed by the marina and commercial fishing boats.
However, council agreed to consult with Police Chief Kevin O'Hara to find out if the 4 a.m. ending time would present any logistical problem with the police department's shift changes or any other issues.
Other changes include acquiring Baltimore and Chicago avenues from Ocean County, so the parking plan could include Baltimore and Chicago from Arnold Avenue to Broadway and to also include Laurel Court (which is off Broadway across from the park) to Trenton Avenue and Trenton to Chicago.
The latter part "is just an idea," said Corbally. He and other council members agreed that once the ordinance is drafted, there would be more discussion and opportunity for the public to comment.
Gertner said that typically when a municipality takes over a county road, the county usually acquires a different one in town.
"They usually swap," Gertner said.
Ray Savacool, municipal engineer, said Frank Scarantino, the director of the county roads department, is not likely to object.
"Frank Scarantino has told me that anytime we want a county road, that's fine," said Savacool.
Another parking referendum?
New councilmember Andy Cortes, after hearing other council members talk about how the parking plan reduced the amount of noise and trash in District 4, said he is also not sure about expanding into the next district.
"I'm not going to deny it had some impact on the quality of life," Cortes said. "But the residents of Districts 1, 2 and 3 voted against the parking plan."
Councilmember William Mayer asked Barrella if he would consider "putting the parking plan back to the voters for validation."
Barrella said he doesn't think residents in other districts care about a parking plan that would still predominantly be in District 4 and that it doesn't affect them. He asked Business Administrator Christine Riehl how many requests she received last summer for parking passes for residents outside District 4 to allow them to park there during the restricted overnight hours.
"Less than five," she replied.
Barrella said, "I think that's a very telling statement, that there were less than 5. When you say 'validation,' I think the validation is the council makes the decision and if people don't like it, the validation comes in November."
"So the answer is no," Mayer said. "Procedurally, you have alienated people by giving them a vote and then going against that."
Barrella started to talk as Mayer was still speaking, prompting Mayer to look at the mayor and said loudly, "Quiet!"
"Don't tell me 'quiet,' " countered Barrella, at least as loudly.
Mayer accused Barrella of interrupting him and also of going against the will of voters who defeated the parking referendum.
"You got people upset," Mayer said.
Cortes held a yellow card high over his head and said, "Soccer fans will know what this means" and put it back down looking totally disgusted and shaking his head.
In soccer, a referee holding up a yellow card on a player means the referee is giving a player a warning to stop breaching the laws of the game, playing rough, talking back to referees or otherwise behaving in a manner that is unprofessional or unsportsmanlike.
Corbally noted the referendum a few years ago was for a town-wide parking plan, while this one is mostly in District 4 with possibly a limited section of District 3.
Councilmember Kristine Tooker said her primary interest was to preserve the parking plan in District 4.
"People in District 4 are happy and we want to keep it that way," she said. "I'm sure as word gets around, people will let us know how they feel."
Councilmember Stephen Reid said that based on his conversations with District 4 residents, he thinks it would be better if the residents receive parking stickers instead of parking placards.
"There were residents who got tickets last year because the placard fell," Reid said.
Barrella said the drawback with stickers is they can't be transferred from one car to another.
Councilmember Bret Gordon said the town could provide each household with two stickers and a few placards for guests.
"It's very simple, really," Gordon said.
Reid also mentioned providing a mix of stickers and placards. He also said he had concerns about the town pushing the parking plan into part of District 3.
"I haven't heard anyone in District 3 ask for it, I'd like to have an open discussion with the residents," he said.
Barrella said any residents who want to voice preferences or concerns about the parking plan can do so at upcoming council meetings.
Adele Tamburo
7:57 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
How do I send the council my opinion? Thanks, Adele Tamburo
the raven
8:31 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Ah yes, the circus continues and who is the common denominator? Vinny Barrella! I thought he was only there to break ties? The circus WILL end in November when Tooker and Corbally lose and Vinny will only have gordy left. Thank you Bill for trying to put the parking plan to a vote of the people. Barrella's response is very arrogant as is puppet Tooker's. Andy must now get a taste of the Barrella circus. The winceanity goes on.
Here We Go Again!
8:32 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Here we go again, just like last year, a bunch of whiny nonsense about how awful our tourists are----nonsense driving away the families. Great example of fear creating what is feared.
First of course this bar closing or bar stay open if pay plan should have never seen the light of day. Even its proponents now recognize it was unnecessary. All that idea did was put money in Vinnie’s lawyer’s pocket.
As far the parking plan this is typical of Barrella Tooker Corbally and Gordon. They are going to change the hours and the streets without asking the voters. Anybody think District three wants this plan? Why are these politicians afraid to ask the people of District 3? Why take over Baltimore and Chicago? Do the people on those streets need or want the parking plan? It apparently worked last year without these streets!!! How much will it cost to take over maintenance of these streets from the County? Arrogant politicians desperate to appear effective meddling in places we don’t need them. This is simple: put it on the ballot----ask the people. Considering the candidate Barrella Tooker Corbally and Gordon supported was defeated by more than 2 to 1, I think we know why this bloc is afraid to put their plan to the voters!!!!!
Beach_N8iv
3:07 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Put their plan to the voters? Why, so that they can ignore us again? "Oh those silly voters, they don't know what they want. We'll fix it for them." I would like to see the taxpayers, the ones outside The Promised Land, the three districts NOT represented by the mayor and council get together and file some sort of legal action to force the town to either take the parking scam town wide or scrap it entirely. After all, WE HAVE TO PAY FOR THE LAWSUITS, don't we?
A Resident
10:52 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
When/how would you like this town wide vote to take place? I mean, for the voting results to take affect for this summer....
outofthebeach4now
9:11 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Did anybody really think changes would occur once the new council members were sworn in? Vinnie (the bully) is still king of his castle and his "jesters" are still in power for this year. His arrogance will never change until he is neutered in november. I am a former D3 resident and still have an interest in that part of town. Believe me on this this one, no one in that boardwalk area of D3 wants any part of a parking plan.
Randle McMurphy
9:13 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
The DEAL the one the Mayor made with Jenkinsons, when is the public going to be able to see it. It gets more interesting each time the Mayor or the paper talks about it ,but no ones seen it yet. The Mayor says Jenkinsons has no objection to the parking plan going to Atlantic Ave , Wait now the Mayor has to ask Jenkinson if its OK where the town can put a parking plan ? 1.000.000. over 5years or $50.000 a year for 20 year. Didnt the Mayor and some Council turn down $800.000 over 5 years or $160.000 a year. Isnt the Mayor a tax attorney and suppose to know numbers,some deal , the taxpayers lost $110.000 each year. What else is in this deal? what happen to the Mayor and this Bloc thumping their chest saying this body doesnt govern because their afraid of lawsuits. This article has the Mayor and his Bloc changing parking hours to satisfy lawsuit complaintants ,drops the bar closing ( another lawsuit) . Someone wrote if this was Reid ,Mayer or Cortes making this deal the Mayor and his Bloc would be all over them saying their in the Boardwalks pocket.How things have changed. What else is in this secret deal,,Standby????
Quaghogdigger
11:39 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
The "DEAL", as I see it is rather simply....The town will go to bond 1 mil. to pay for the 25% of the boardwalk repairs not covered by fema. It will be a 20 year payback, at 50k a year. So in reality, Jenks is off the hook to any more strong arm tactics by the town for the next 20 years. Not a bad deal for them, as they need that boardwalk fixed asap. The thing that sticks out to me, wasn't the last 2 years of BS, bar closings, parking plan, offer of money to town that was turned, wasn't that an attempt to get some financial help for police coverage?..I foresee an emergency appropriation, from the tax payers, for the police dept. come, lets say, mid July, and no one left to turn to, except Martell's, who is still in litigation with the town.
Nick Carraway
1:28 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Is there a written copy of this "deal"? I remember that it was a big sticking point for the Mayor last year when it came to the $800K offer that the offer was not provided in writing. If there is a written copy of this current deal with Jenks, I think it would be helpful if the public could see it. Maybe a copy could be attached to this Patch article?
Jersey Shore Grinch
9:45 am on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Apparently the mayor and the council have this all figured out. Last year was more controlled that the last, therefore, this year will be the same. WRONG! The Beach is way ahead of most other beach destinations in Jersey when it comes to repairs and rebuilding. They will get slammed this summer by every college and post-college party-goer seeking a fun-filled destination. It will be spring break for 4 months and once that wave starts they will be unable to stop it. Better have a comprehensive plan, even if it starts with a flawed parking plan.
James Ward
12:08 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Would be nice to be able to worry about this - always going to oppose any "limitations" forced upon the area but what is worse would be the bickering and negative headlines - we need that nonsense like we need a nor' easter right now... By the end of the Summer last year we were all living with the pilot parking fairly well honestly.... although I might rephrase that to "put up with"... and also what did we learn?? For starters: NO addresses on the placards... Someone with a brain please don't try stickers - perhaps for residents in addition to placards is appropriate? As for the time the parking permits are required being shortened to appease the early birds -- that seems like a reasonable compromise there. Could see people rushing to move vehicles around 12:00am though with a 12:30am start time - so the concern for drunk driving could still be an issue I guess. Hopefully we don't give an inch only to see Mayor & Council try for a mile... If this pilot program worked so great then don't fix what isn't broken and try to push it further south - that will create the negative publicity we need to avoid at all costs. Keep it in District 4 and go ahead and try to have all the streets as part of the program - it should really be all or none in the area. Lets keep moving forward...
Jersey Shore Grinch
1:10 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
It might also help if realtors were a little more circumspect in who they rent to as opposed to being overly concerned with the almighty buck. That's one way you start moving forward to returning the family character back to the town.
James Ward
1:52 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Agree 100% - but everyone is welcome in Point Pleasant Beach. Antisocial behavior is not tolerated and we take steps to ensure those seeking that kind of experience move elsewhere but unfortunately elsewhere can be just down the street. Certainly no one is perfect and in the event of an unfortunate incident we work with code enforcement and the police if need be and rarely experience a repeat offense. It is unfortunate that this highly specialized niche of the market gets tainted by those who are in it for just the buck...
Nick Carraway
11:53 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Grinch, I agree with your generalized comments, but object to your personal attack n Mr. Ward, as a realtor. Councilman Corbally is also a local realtor. Does his real estate company help to rent homes to summer tourists? Barefoot Realty's website currently includes a countdown to Memorial Day Weekend. Sure looks like they rent to summer tourists. So, how can you be certain that Mr. Ward's real estate company is somehow less diligent than Councilman Corbally's when it comes to renting to summer tourists? Again, I agree with your generalized comments but think it inappropriate for you to single out Ward realty.
Nick Carraway
1:23 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Mr. Ward, I agree with you that the last thing our town needs right now is more negative publicity. Unfortunately, I think that any change to the parking plan that was adopted last year is going to generate more negative publicity. It's one thing to say "PPB had put the same plan back in place" but it's another if you have to start explaining how the plan has changed. For example, apparently certain members of the Governing Body believe that the plan must include Baltimore and Chicago. Does that mean that these two streets were flooded with unruly tourists as a result of last year's plan? If not, then let me say that I know that those streets were flooded by Sandy, and it may be some time before we know what types of damage were done to those streets. I think the town needs to own more flood damaged property like it needs a whole in the head. Plus, the County provides snow removal services for its streets. Let's do a cost-benefit analysis before we turn Baltimore and Chicago into town roads. Does the benefit of putting the parking plan on those streets outweigh the costs of turning them into town roads and increasing negative publicity? If you want to put the plan back, then do it as it was in 2012. Many of the residents "put up with it" but having to deal with more changes will just make it more complicated. If it worked, then don't change it.
James Ward
1:35 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Well the confusion surrounding some streets as requiring permits and others not in the same area was one of our main objections which we had hoped would have tabled the permit parking entirely but that didn't happen. I agree that if we can spare any street from parking restrictions...ugly signs etc then we should.
Jersey Shore Grinch
1:53 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
There is no confusion by those who live here year-round. They get it! There is a small learning curve for those who are visitors, much the same way you learn about local policies and restrictions when you visit another tourist or resort community. You get it the same way our visitors should. Your true colors show. Your comments are from someone in the business of renting homes to tourists not someone who is concerned with being neighborly to those who live here year-round. Residents' quality of life should not be drastically dimished so that you and other realtors can make a few extra bucks.
James Ward
2:21 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Well, wrong again you Grinch. We used our position as a local REALTOR and our powerful ally in that of NJAR (New Jersey Assocation of Realtors) to use that as just ONE of the points of opposition to the plan. You are for the plan and that's OK. Was that really the reason for such an improved Summer in 2012? What are your thoughts on that actually? My interest and love for this town comes in multiple facets not just from seasonal rentals. Everyone "gets" the annual resident that has a grudge against the seasonal aspects of this town...which started with the Lenni-Lenape Indians by the way, and thats just another issue us sensible people "put up with". Ask the many local residents displaced by the storm how un-neighborly I was housing them- that certainly wasn't for the money. Ask our hundreds of insured how un-neighborly we were in handling their claims and becoming an information source for ALL-residents, out of the area owners, concerned family & friends wondering about their loved ones in the immediate aftermath... How about using our decades long business relationships to help those avoid being price gouged?...find just one person that was even just remotely aware of what we were doing after the storm & to this day and I challenge you to argue them about "my true colors". I won't speak about others in town that always have and will continue to be sub-par but we take our role in the community very seriously-so Grinch the 3 words that best describe you "stink, stank, stunk!"
Part Timer
3:22 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
James Ward, how would you feel if the town put in a ordinance that all realtors must check on there rental homes once a week, say every Saturday, and confirm that they are not in violation with any animal or occupancy law.
Please do not say you try your best to confront the issue up front. We all know they walk in as a couple or with a parent to sign the lease and that is good enough for you even though you know damn well you are renting to a group.
outofthebeach4now
3:43 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
There goes part timer again. Too bad Sandy did not make you a no timer. You don't know the fabric of what PPB is and never will. The kind of crap you spew has Mayor Vinnie written all over it. Just get lost and take the Grinch with you.
James Ward
3:51 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
They have that on the books now (well after any noise violation or warning from the night before)... We've digressed from the point and purpose of this article however so I don't have any further comment to your ignorant nonsense about how I run my business other than to simply offer we rent to groups for full season rentals only - working professionals if you will and many come to this town for the right reasons. I send plenty out my door that don't have references or otherwise don't "qualify"... but do they go ahead and find something to rent by an owner direct or possibly another Broker? ...of course. Are we deceived by "parents" for a group for a short term? ...twice in 10 years that I know about. Look I'm by no means perfect but we remain accountable and cooperative and most definitely as preventative as we can be. What are your thoughts on Baltimore & Chicago Ave's? How about keeping negative headlines about Point Pleasant Beach out of the newspapers? Petty bickering in the wake of the worst natural disaster to hit our area & no real positive leadership now just about 3 months after Sandy is still just so sad to me - I get calls every week asking if the bridge to town is open. Are you ok with that? Perhaps you have the right to not care and with that I'm reminded of a quote about what I may look like if I argue with an idiot... Especially since I'm the only fool using my real name. I'm sure you know the one, punch line is one not being able to tell the difference.
Opinionated
3:58 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Thank you Patch for the entertaining article. How much in legal fees did this midnight ordinance cost? Please don't give us the Insurance Carrier picked it up, they'll make up for it down the road. I suppose if the people don't like whichever parking plan is implemented, they will say so in November. If tourism goes down in PPB this year which natural disaster will be to blame, Sandy or your Council? Talk amongst yourselves.
Part Timer
5:12 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
outofthebeach4now / James Ward,
Very sensitive when someone hits back... what with all the name calling....
4now, thank you for your kind thoughts of (Too bad Sandy did not make you a no timer). Well, she almost did...But you can not get rid me that easy... I am rebuilding.
James ward, also, thank you for your kind thoughts of (I'm reminded of a quote about what I may look like if I argue with an idiot...)
By the way, I do care and I have no political ties to anyone in town...
James Ward
10:24 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
When everyone stops hiding behind made-up names maybe some serious and worthwhile discussions can be had. In the meantime, for someone to dare question me or my family office practices simply because I choose to put myself out there is nothing short of "idiotic" to me and extremely cowardly to boot. As a "part timer" you are about to find out how rough that lifestyle can be. Non primary owners below the advisory base elevation - even the "A zone" where you are - are going to be shafted with this new insurance criteria. We've done our homework and you'll hear the beginnings of what can be expected at 3:00pm today from Seaside. I'm glad you are rebuilding, but are you raising first? Maybe you're in a position where you don't need flood insurance, or perhaps you can afford it when your premiums quadruple... We are available on a consulting basis and we continue to be a voice for the 300 or so "part timers" (and not all of them rent by the way) that we ensure stay informed and ready for these phenomenal changes coming our way...the "part timers" whom largely mind their own buisiness even though they contribute the same $$ everyone else does...Everything is connected in this town and we all need to band together and stay proactive. Wildwood is booking up...Belmar has Gov Christie there twice a month because they stay out front and positive-we'll have nothing but the undesirable groups/day trippers/weekend warriors if we keep this up why does no one see it?
Part Timer
12:19 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
James Ward, My home was/is under the 50% rule, meaning if you have structural damage of more then 50% you have to raise. Also, correct me if I am wrong but the town of PPB does not seem to be following the FEMA recommendations and putting this into law.
About Christie, the reason for Belmar and not PPB or the reason why Lt Gov was up in town and not on the beach probably has to do with the fact that our beach is Privately owned.
James Ward
12:53 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Everyone needs to become familiar with the Biggert Waters reform that was PASSED last July... Part Timer, unless you don't carry flood insurance then you will be directly affected. Not talking about Point Pleasant Beach-their little meeting on Feb 6th needs to be in a school or something larger and they don't have correct viable solutions for people yet... Do yourself a favor and google Biggert-Waters
James Ward
1:11 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Just to add to my incomplete comment - Manasquan had a meeting (similar to what Point Pleasant Beach has just announced they will be holding on Feb 6) in the Elks Lodge and that wasn't large enough to hold everyone by half... We need to have ours at a school or something. With regards to Biggert Waters and all non primary owners who are no longer subsidized by the NFIP will have premiums skyrocket although incrementally over 4 years while those smart enough mitigate the issue be getting above the new advisory base elevation - Christie may just go ahead and add on an additional 1 foot because he can-we may hear this later today. Just say you're paying $1400/year currently - Biggert Waters reform has someone such as yourself now at $8900/year so you may want to consider carefully what your next move is...we all need to.
Nick Carraway
12:54 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
Part Timer, I know that you have done a great job organizing owners of second homes here in PPB. Here is my question: How are those folks doing with repairs to their second homes? I know that many homeowners are having difficulties getting money for their repairs. Are any of our second homeowners mentioning the need to rent their homes in order to recoup repair expenses? I'm not trying to be rude in any way. I truly believe that many of our second homeowners/summer home owners are assets to our community. It's just occurred to me that, at least some of them, may be entertaining the idea of renting their homes this summer (I know at least one full-time family that rents their home every summer to get money for their mortgage, so I'm not trying to be critical if this is something someone must do, financially), and I was wondering whether there is any discussion in your group about this, whether it's something that your group tries to discourage, etc.
Mr. Happy
7:15 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Reality Check, as Mr. O'Reilly says: The Republican Club, here on Patch lusts for control of the council in 2014. OK, let's examine the first meeting of 2013. One member of council is asked if he wants to be on a committee to serve the people with flood mitigation issues. The response: "No." Another member wants to put one of the best ordinances the town has ever passed, by all accounts, on a referendum for "validation." Another member holds up a yellow card, for no apparent reason, during a council meeting. What do they have in common? Yep- all Republicans. To those of you out there, NOT part of the (R) club, that are going to vote in November, ask yourself this question: Is this the club that you want to run this town next year?
Spooner
11:04 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Mr. Happy- Denise Di Stephan refutes your claim here about holding up the yellow sign ...So who sure we believe. . .you or her? And BTW, they had a parking plan referendum vote. . .it was defeated! But the secessionist. . .that's right... you had one District who seceded from the town when it caused to be enacted...a parking plan that I believe under state statutes, only local governments as a whole are granted power to enlist democratically, the rights of it's citizens to vote on (the referendum). So thanks to the Mayor and his Council supporters, you have to some extent Balkanized your town. . .Now you want a Do-over.
Nick Carraway
11:46 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Spooner, if you notice, the Mayor seems to feel that the residents of Districts 1 & 2 have no interest in a parking plan in District 4. His evidence is the fact that only 5 people who live in other districts applied for a parking pass. I don't understand how the fact that more residents from the other districts didn't seek to park on D4 streets after midnight mean that residents aren't interested in how their tax money is spent. We're talking about every one's tax dollars when we're talking about buying new signs and taking over County streets. Also, the Mayor makes it clear that the Governing Body members should feel free to do whatever they want, and the residents have to suck it up. According to the Mayor, the only recourse residents have if certain elected officials adopt ordinances they don't like is to vote those elected officials out in November. That seems like a very different approach from a Mayor who, just a few years ago, demanded and promised "open and honest government" and that the "residents be heard" before elected officials made decisions. As for Mr. Happy's comments that this was one of the "best ordinances the town has ever passed," all I can think is that, if it was such a great ordinance, why are they making changes? Why is Jenkinsons being allowed to dictate which streets can be included in the parking plan and, if Martells is continuing the law suit anyway, why does Jenks' opinion matter?
Mr. Happy
8:20 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Hi Spooner- You are right. I re-read the article and when Mr. Cortes held up the sign, he said: "Soccer fans will know what this means." Oh.
Hi Nick- Everyone, I believe even your fellow Esq. representing the BW said the parking plan was good. But the families wanted more time on the front end and the fishing community wanted more time on the back end. The council heard these concerns and will improve a great ordinance to accomodate these groups. Nothing wrong with making good even better, is there?
P.S.- Spooner, we all know you love to bash the Beach Mayor. But shouldn't you be concentrating on YOUR mayor in the Boro. Seems there are real issues in YOUR town that you need to address, no?
Nick Carraway
9:41 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Mr. Happy, can you provide me with a link to an article or the minutes or some other document where one of the BW attorneys says that the parking plan was "good"? If you can't, then what's your source? I understand that you think that the parking plan is the greatest thing since sliced bread, and you're entitled to your opinion. Here's what I've noticed, though. The people who live in D4 who really like the parking plan don't have issues with off-street parking. Those people generally have a large enough driveway that they don't have to deal with the hangtags. So, having a parking plan in place doesn't inconvenience their enjoyment of their property in any way. But, for those who don't have enough off-street parking, it's a problem because they have to remember to display their hangtags every night to make sure they don't get a ticket. Yeah, the judge was good to them if they came in and explained the situation, but it's just one more hassle at a time when most people who live in D4 don't need it. You also mention that the Council "heard these concerns" and is making changes. It looks like it was those lawsuits that caused the changes. The parking plan should've been hashed out at public meetings, and the concerns heard at that time. It would've saved everyone some money. Let's not make that mistake again, okay? Don't push through another version of the parking plan without first hearing from the residents.
A Resident
10:59 am on Thursday, January 24, 2013
"Don't push through another version of the parking plan without first hearing from the residents." - not for nothing, but it has been quite a few months since the original plan went into effect. And quite a few months since it ended. PLENTY of time for someone/anyone to approach Mayor and Council at a meeting and let them know their feelings.
Part Timer
12:07 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Nick Carraway, 1-The issue is not just about parking spaces, it is also about who occupies those parking spaces and when (Bar Patrons late at night, early morning).
2-Please stop with the hanging of these tags... If my wife and I who travel at least two times a week to our home can remember to reach in the console and hang the tag (make sure it is secure now) so can the full timers. Really, you are making these people out to be monkeys in a science project.
3-WHY ARE YOU MAKING SUCH A BIG DEAL ABOUT THE PARKING PLAN....
Nick Carraway
2:04 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
A Resident, "not for nothing" but the parking plan ended in October. Sandy slammed into us at the end of October. Many of those affected by Sandy live in D4. The parking plan ordinance only expired in December. Beginning in mid-November, the Mayor started saying that he was working on something that would address the boardwalk repairs and probably settle all of the lawsuits with the BW businesses. Who knew what that settlement would be? I think the problem is this...there are certain people who clearly know a lot more about what the parking plan is going to be, and you forget that the rest of us don't know because we're not part of the secret Barrella club. Why are you so afraid to give residents a chance to speak on this issue? Last year's plan wasn't adopted until March or April. It's only January. You can easily give the people a chance to make comments and still get it adopted by the same time that it was adopted last year, right? It would probably help a lot if the public knew what exactly was going to be proposed.
Nick Carraway
2:11 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Part Timer, you clearly have a vested interest in seeing a parking plan return. I know that it's purpose was to move unruly late night tourists off of the D4 streets. But, if you're a homeowner who doesn't have sufficient off-street parking, then you have to park your car(s) on the street every night, and the hangtags that were used last year didn't work well. The hangtags were large and a distraction when driving. They may have even been illegal to hang and drive with. Many residents took them down while driving, and then had to remember to put them up every night if you live here full time. The hangtags didn't hold up well to that type of use. Now, I see that Reid has brought up the idea of stickers, maybe even just 2 stickers and several hangtags. The stickers might solve the problem. There's really no need to yell at me (your all caps typing). I don't see why people can't work together to try to reach a better solution, but the only way to do that is to express the problems and see what solutions are available. Without an open dialogue, that's just not going to happen. You posted in the past that you wish the town weren't so divided, that we're one town. Then act that way and listen to some of the problems with the plan and see what compromises can be made to make more of the people feel less burdened by this solution that you seem to need.
Mr. Happy
3:55 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
You'll find your answer in the minutes from one of December meetings. It's all there.
Validation as it were.
Spooner
4:32 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Mr. Happy- since the Dec.18 Beach Council minutes has yet to be posted...I draw your attention as to what was reported in the Dec 21st Ocean Star edition(p-7). They reported that Jenkinsons attorney stated: "the town and citizens agreed that the parking plan worked, and given the mayor's word that it would not be necessarily expanded, agreed to drop the legal action" How you spin: that the parking plan was "good" into the mouth of their attorney. . .leaves a lot to be desired.
Really?
9:41 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Part Timer...There is no making. They are monkeys in a science project.
Mr. Happy
12:55 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
Hi Nick- The "validation" of my statement about BW attorney commenting positively about the parking plan can be found in the minutes from one of the December meetings. I'm sure you know how to get a copy.
Hi Part Timer- As to your #3 from your 12:07 post. They are making a big deal out of the parking plan because that's all they have. That is to say, they have nothing. When you attack a universal good--your outta bullets, simple as that.
Randle McMurphy
3:53 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
NEWSFLASH.....did anyone see Councilwomen Tookers comments in the APP about the bar closings. SHOCKING....was this a joke to her. she said that "honestly, I dont think anyone was in favor of the earlier bar closing", really, then why did you vote for it ?. Why did you let peoples lives get turned upside down with all the controversy. Lawsuits,people worried about losing their jobs, businesses worried about losing the livlihood , dividing the town,and pitting resident against businesses. You cost many people and the town a lot of money and made PPB a laughingstock in the State. So you really didnt mean it ,it was just a ploy?. Councilwomen Tooker why didnt you tell the Mayor I'm not in favor of this instead of following his and the Blocs orders . It just confrims that it was all a big hoax to strongarm/ extort money from the Boardwalk business. Shameful
Mr. Happy
5:52 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Hey McSpooner- Since there is nothing negative to say about the Mayor, you now resort to old news about a councilwoman? C'mon. How 'bout your Mayor and his issues?
Really?
9:50 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
Every part of this town is run by a bunch of foolish clowns. This town is made up of lies, scams and shame.