By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
After complaints about a rise in metered parking fees in Asbury Park, the parking committee made several changes to its proposed ordinance 2962 including making the maximum hourly fee $2 down from $3.
City Councilman Joe Woerner, who chairs the committee said changes were made in response to residents comments in emails and on social media.
“The point of the process is to get feedback,” he said and thanked residents for their input.
Another change is the reduction of resident annual permits in zone 4 to $90 from $120. Additional permits may also be purchased on an escalating scale with a fourth permit for one residence in zones 1,2 and 3 issued for up to $180 per year.
Permits affixed to a resident’s car allow them to park in their neighborhoods without having to use the meters.
The ordinance includes varying rates for peak and off season times. Peak season is from May 15 to September 15.
One constant rate in both seasons will be the $2 charge for Cookman Avenue on Friday and Saturday nights.
Mayor John Moor added that there will be 75 designated spots in the Bangs Avenue parking garage available to residents for $75 per month.
“Your name will be on that spot,” he said.
To the delight of Deal Lake Avenue resident, Maureen Nevin, metered parking will not be coming to that neighborhood in the near future.
“We are not expanding zones at this time,” Moor said.
“This is so good,” Nevin said.
Council acknowledged, however, that meters will most likely be added at a later date.
During public comments Jason Lewis of Wesley Grove asked if hanging placards could be used instead of stickers so two drivers in one household could share it.
Council said it was something that could be looked into.
Resident Werner Baumgartner questioned council as to why a bike lane was not added to Memorial Drive during the recent paving.
Moor said the road is a county road and the city has no say in the design.
