By DON STINE
An ordinance that would have imposed limited three-hour parking on Main Avenue in Ocean Grove’s business district was tabled by the Neptune Township Committee at last week’s meeting.
“I am not against it but I just want more research,” Committeeman Michael Brantley said.
The governing body was scheduled to vote on an ordinance imposing limited three-hour parking on Main Avenue, between Central and New York Avenues, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. It would be in effect from May 15 through Sept. 15 every year.
The parking restriction would have been for a three-month trial period.
Brantley said he would like the ordinance tabled because he believes not enough information has been gathered from residents and businesses in the affected zone.
“I need to see a survey on the table. I want to do a real study so we don’t make the problem worse,” he said.
Pete Burbela, owner of Burbelmaiers bakery/deli at 69 Main Avenue, said he is opposed to the three-hour parking.
“It doesn’t seem to accomplish anything positive,” he said
Ocean Grove Chamber of Commerce President Laura Massaro said the chamber remains “slightly neutral on this.” She said some business owners are indifferent to the issue.
“It is up to the people,” she said.
Other Ocean Grove residents said they would still like to see the township further explore a shuttle service that would transfer visitors from a designated parking area and then into Ocean Grove. A similar program was initiated in the past but with little success.
“We tried this before but we will have to try it a different way,” Deputy Mayor Carol Rizzo said.
While other governing body members expressed some skepticism that a shuttle program would do any better this time, it is an option that will be explored.
“We could try it but we need better advertising,” Committeeman Kevin McMillan said.
The Chamber of Commerce, the Ocean Grove Homeowners Association and others have been advocating for some meaningful changes to increase parking in Ocean Grove, especially during the summer.
Another ordinance that creates 29 parking spaces by imposing angle parking on the east side of Central Avenue from Broadway to Clark Street was adopted and will go into effect soon.
