Point Beach Parking Regulation Proposals On Hold, For Now
Council considering amending code dealing with overnight parking of commercial vehicles, eligibility and restrictions on parking decal program
Two measures that would impact parking regulations in Point Pleasant Beach will be subject to further discussion before the Borough Council votes to amend existing code.
The council elected to continue working on an ordinance amendment affecting the overnight parking of commercial vehicles at its regular meeting Tuesday night before presenting it to the full council for introduction.
Later, the council put off introducing an amendment that would alter the regulations governing the resident parking pass program after much discussion on its provisions.
Commercial vehicles
Police Chief Kevin O'Hara has recommended tighter restrictions on the overnight parking of commercial or oversize vehicles on borough roadways, which he says is hurting the ability of residents and merchants to park.
"Right now the ordinance doesn't cover prohibiting, whether it be daytime or nighttime, the parking of commercial vehicles on roadways," O'Hara said.
"My suggestion was to amend the ordinance to include a prohibition of commercial vehicles 8,000 pounds or more... just to alleviate the issues that have been brought forward to council."
Existing code does prohibit vehicles heavier than 8,000 pounds from being parked on streets in a residential zone for more than an hour, while carving an exception for those vehicles needed by a contractor or vendor to complete services or deliver goods.
The chief noted that the proposal was made in response to issues on certain streets, although council members said they'd have to be careful with an amendment's reach if they alter the existing provisions.
Councilmen Stephen Reid and William Mayer noted that the council needs to be careful in applying restrictions on residents who happen to be contractors and park their work vehicles at their homes.
Mayor Vincent Barrella agreed, saying the ordinance amendment needs to "put in effect safeguards we need to make sure that residents of Point Pleasant Beach either are able to park somewhere else or will be able to continue to park because of their resident status."
Council voted unanimously (with members Tim Lurie and Kristine Tooker absent) to allow borough attorney Sean Gertner to work with O'Hara on the specific language of such an amendment, which Gertner said will be presented to council committee before the full governing body considers it.
Parking pass
The council also debated amending borough code to further restrict the use of parking decals in municipal lots while reducing their price.
However, after much debate on eligibility, the governing body decided not to introduce the amendment as planned and will instead hold a first reading at its next regular meeting.
Currently, it costs $30 for a decal that can be used instead of feeding parking meters, with a four-hour limit on spots, other than the railroad station lot. Existing code bans residents from parking on weekends in the Silver Lake lot, as well as both sides of Ocean Avenue, from Parkway to Trenton Avenue.
Crucially, the program is currently available only to residents who claim Point Pleasant Beach as their permanent address and live in the borough at least nine months a year. Additionally, the borough allows two passes per residential dwelling.
Under a draft ordinance available Tuesday night, decals would cost $10, with a two-hour limit on spots. The decals would not be able to be used at any time to park in the Silver Lake lot, the railroad station lot or the lot at the southeast corner of Ocean and New Jersey avenues.
Additionally, the draft expands eligibility to "residential taxpayers," defined as someone who owns a dwelling and resides in the borough on at least a seasonal basis. Only one decal would be issued per residential unit instead of two.
The latter provision provoked much discussion among council members, who debated whether decals should be limited to year-round residents, renters who live year-round, those who rent seasonally, "absentee landlords," etc.
Councilman Mayer said the solution is simple: one decal should be issued per residence, regardless of who's using it. "You pick one car and that's your car," he said.
Administrator Christine Riehl agreed. "Does it matter who's using it?" she asked.
Barrella, however, was concerned landlords could exploit such an amendment redefining eligibility, effectively creating a black market for parking decals.
"You're going to have landlords effectively trafficking," the mayor said.
Councilman Michael Corbally, who indicated his displeaure with the entire parking pass system due to "loss of revenue" from those not feeding meters, did however agree that a decal could be seen as a perk by a tenant.
Reid was in favor of voting on the amendment introduction Tuesday night. The mayor disagreed.
"If someone wants to introduce it in its current state, feel free. I don't know what its current state is," Barrella said in exasperation.
The council ultimately agreed to continue to work out the potential problems on residency and eligibility and hold off introducing the measure.
Dennis
4:28 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
What
pointman
8:38 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Here we go again. another parking plan that nobody can get the terms straight ,understand or agree,and thats the simple one. Add the parking pass Corballys trying to throw into Dist 4 and its back to a rush job plan and unorganized Mayor and Council. If you guys cant figure out how it should work with all the information availible to you , how do you expect the public too. I see an Antrim meeting in the future.
Vince Barrella
9:34 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
As stated in the article, we have a resident parking pass plan in effect now. Councilman Reid has suggested expanding that program to cover non-resident property owners, lowering the cost of a permit from $30 to $10 and changing where the permit can be used and for how long. We can and will continue to debate whether these are good ideas or not or whether it would make more sense to either leave alone what is working or tweak that which is already in place. I do not see a council rushing anything, but rather considering a proposal that was put forth by one of its members.
Fed up in PPB
6:56 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
How many current governing body members live east of the railroad tracks in District 4-??- If you buy in a resort town close to the beach you have to know that parking in your neighborhood during certain months will be a problem,,DUH--It appears that you are attempting to make parking in your neighborhood a little easier by passing a parking plan that will only affect "certain residents" of PPB..It is a known fact that any type of parking restriction in a residential neighborhood drastically lowers property values in that area. What I am saying is that if you pass any type parking plan you had better make it effective in the "whole town" not just District 4--because if you restrict it to District 4 you will be in effect "discriminating" against all residents in District 4 by unfairly lowering our property values and not the residents in the rest of the town..This town has already had it's fair share of bouts with the ACLU and other federal and state agencies and I would hate to see them in here again because of a blatant case of "discrimination" --Forget the parking plan that only affects District 4--either town wide or not at all!!!!
Beach_N8iv
8:31 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
NEWSFLASH ! ! ! ! There is no parking ENFORCEMENT outside of District 4.
Vince Barrella
9:42 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
The proposal regarding the parking of commercial vehicles was put forth by the Chief in response to concerns raised in complaints regarding some of the 500 blocks in District 2, not about parking in District 4.
Fed up: Thank you, however, for expressing your opinion.
Mike Corbally
8:05 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
This plan is open to all residents and will cost all residents. It will lower parking and court revenue. All taxpayers will pay. It is just pandering in my opinion. The whole expense should be trashed.
Beach_N8iv
10:42 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
I find it hard to believe that an elected official would suggest that extorting funds from the residents (AKA taxpayers AND voters) is the answer to the town's budget woes.
Mike Ryan
12:27 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Yes, it will lower parking and court revenue. However, do we really want to see an uptick of Beach residents paying parking fines? If that's the plan, just raise my taxes so I can save on the stamps...
Mscommonsense
8:23 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
I can see it now. Come May we will have some half cocked parking plan in place for part of district 4 and we will have 12 oclock bar closings. There will be signs all over the place mixed in with the hundreds we have now. Visitors will be so confused they will either leave or get an unenforceable ticket. Court revenue and meter revenue will go down the tubes and that will equal less money to pay our huge amount of employees. I thought the taxpayers voted no in November to a parking plan !!!
Vince Barrella
9:43 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Ms: Thank you for expressing your opinion
Part Timer
10:36 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
To the above,
Why are you calling this a rush job... it is only February.
How is it a fact that a parking plan will lower my property value.
How would it be discrimination.
What is wrong with closing the bars at 12.
What signs, I don't see enough of signs.
@Mr. Corbally, once again you are putting revenue before quality of life.
Yes, I live in district 4 as a non-resident tax payer.
Mike Corbally
11:01 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
If a resident is parked at a metered spot on the weekend with a "Free Pass" it means we are not collecting the $3 per hour. That is what exists now, I'm assuming it will continue. Whose quality of life am I putting revenue before?
Part Timer
10:39 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Lets put the overnight parking plan for district 4 in place for one year as a trial run, if it works we can expand to other districts, if it dont we stop it.
Not a big deal to try it for one year....
Vince Barrella
10:49 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Part Timer
Thank you for expressing your opinion.
Spooner
10:55 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
@Mayor Barrella; as a side bar...As much as I am critical . . .I have to admire and praise you for engaging here with others to discuss town political issues. . .unlike Mayor Schroeder in the Borough who now has walled off his town Facebook page: "Citizens for a Greater Point Pleasant". . . and doesn't even respond on this blog or 'Boro Independent'. . .but takes haven at 'Animallovertoo' blog, where Laura Beeden(Web Master) filters out critical comments?
Had enough
11:07 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Just what the town needs, more regulations.
Had enough
11:13 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
@spooner - I don't see the engaging part just alot of thank you's. Oh and pushing this off as Councilman Reid's idea. I like the idea of giving the residents a pass at a lower rate but to regulate commercial vehicles is unfair. I'd like to know where all the complaints came from in the 500 blocks of district 2.
Vince Barrella
11:21 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
By the way, thank you for expressing your opinion.
Vince Barrella
11:24 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
The desire to change the existing resident parking pass program came from Councilman Reid there can be no debate about that.
The complaints came from residents.
Fed up in PPB
12:07 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Mr Barella--If you took the time to read my comment(FED UP IN PPB)--you will see that the whole comment was in reference to idea of putting "parking permits" into effect in District 4 ONLY--5 parking permits for each household in DISTRICT 4 only--all my comments were based on that and that alone....and you responded and I
cut and pasted so as not to make any mistakes....................
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The proposal regarding the parking of commercial vehicles was put forth by the Chief in response to concerns raised in complaints regarding some of the 500 blocks in District 2, not about parking in District 4.
Fed up: Thank you, however, for expressing your opinion
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Did you take the time to read my comment at all??? If you did not-- the first time--why don't you go back--read it---and respond appropriately--thank you--Fed Up In PPB
Mike Corbally
12:16 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Clearly you don't understand the proposed District IV Pilot Program. Call me and I will gladly speak with you about the proposed plan. Your input will be appreciated.
Vince Barrella
4:22 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Fed up: I did read and understand your post. The proposals considered by the Council and the article reporting on that have absolutely nothing to do with the subject matter of your post, which is the reason I responded as I did.
I also fully understand your subsequent post and, that under cover of a screen name, you would like to engage in a "discussion" of a plan that is not presently before the council, I will not do so. My phone number is on the town's website, feel free to call me anytime regarding anything that troubles you.
lucy
12:24 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Imagine if you people didn't live in such a small one horse town? What would you do? What would you complain about?
my2cents
12:57 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
I like the idea of a 10 dollar pass for the taxpayers. It gives us a fighting chance in the summer to find a spot. Thank you Mr. Reid for sticking up for us.
Vince Barrella
4:25 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Actually what the proposal would do is allow someone to park for 2 hours at a pay spot assuming they can find one. It gives the holder of a pass no special preference in finding a spot.
my2cents
1:14 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
What "pilot program" is Mike Corbally referring too ? I did not read anything about that. Another question after reading the article is if I can't park at the train station, silver lake, or risdens lot then where can I park. Open it up for those three lots for the taxpayers.
Mike Corbally
3:20 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Mike Ryan, taxpayers in the Beach continue to pay higher expenses to support the infrastructure we provide for our guests. If you choose not to find a free spot on the street or pay in a municipal lot, you should keep some extra stamps.
Part Timer
4:14 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Mr Corbally,
Can you make a promise to the tax payers of PPB that if the parking passes are cxld our taxes will not increase. I myself believe not... so why not give all the parking plans a try for one summer and lets se what happens...
Part Timer
4:17 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
How about the council members try to give back to the tax payers one way and look to raise revenue another.
Mike Corbally
4:33 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
The fact that I don't like the resident parking program doesn't mean it will not continue. I tried last year and will continue to support having the businesses that put a drain on our resources pay their fair share. I believe all of the new councilmen ran on that platform. I guess we will soon see just how serious they were?
pointman
4:43 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Pilot Program in Dist 4 ???? what exactly is it and when is Councilman Corbally going to spring this on the residents. Its almost March people are starting to visit the beach because of the great weather. When is this unknown PILOT PROGRAM in Dist 4 starting???. What are you going to wait for the season to be in full swing and throw this monkey wench into the works..
Mike Corbally
4:54 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Call me and I will be happy to discuss it with you.
Part Timer
5:12 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012
Here is a thought,
Pass the overnight parking plan for district 4 (12 - 6 AM) so that the residents will have some quality of life back and the pub crawlers will have to pay at the meter which will create revenue for the town.
Any Thoughts...
Mary Smith
1:30 pm on Saturday, April 28, 2012
I own a residence in PPB and pay huge property taxes. I recently got a threatening letter about CO enforcement that requires I pay $300 (which doubled from last year) on top of the $4K plus taxes I pay to own my house. I don't send children to school in this town and I am sick of people trying to get there hands in my pocket. I know one thing that tourism makes money for the town. All the businesses need the tourism so stop treating the tourist like they are villains. My suggestion is you monitor your expenses. I have a college degree in computer science and master in finance and I have never made what your Police Lt. makes in one year. The town has 3K full time residents (all who probably have cushy jobs in town) and they are the only ones who can vote. This is what needs to change. If you pay the taxes you should have a right to vote on what happens in this town. I don't want parking changes and I don't want bars closing at midnight.
A Resident
10:34 pm on Saturday, April 28, 2012
"The town has 3K full time residents (all who probably have cushy jobs in town) "
Yup, PPB employs 3000 people. Thanks for showing why you don't deserve to get a vote on anything in town. Maybe if you knew anything actually going on and/or about the town...we'd care.
$4000 taxes in which you probably make that in 2 weeks worth of rentals.