Coaster File Photo
Parking is at a premium in the historic district of Ocean Grove.
By WILLIAM CLARK
A public forum on the parking permit pilot program in densely populated Ocean Grove will not move forward.
Other options for community input will be considered, according to Neptune Township Attorney Lester Taylor.
Parking and lack of it has always been a problem in Ocean Grove, especially during the warmer months. Most of the residences do not have driveways leaving only street parking as an option. Over the years, both private and public, parking surveys have been commissioned. Nothing has changed. Parking has always been free.
Since the committee opted against a public forum, the next steps in the process are unclear at this time, Taylor said.
Martha Cuttrell, a township resident, spoke in opposition to the program at the meeting this week. She said a petition against the program has been circulating among Ocean Grove residents and now has 700 signatures.
“Are you going to listen to them?” she asked the committee. “What number of people do you have that actually want this to happen?”
Cuttrell said there are a faction of people within the proposed zones that have put their signatures on the petition as well.
In addition to residents, business owners have supported the petition, she said, adding that 57 of the 67 businesses within the section of town have signed on.
“Who led you to believe the businesses were on board with this?” she asked.
Cuttrell said removing spots for visitors directly impacts businesses as those that will be unable to find parking will take their money elsewhere.
Cuttrell believes that once people see the specifics of the proposal, support for the project will wane.
“This petition presents you with an actual account,” she said. “It’s data of residents and businesses who are now beginning to learn the details of this proposal. I would ask you to reconsider what you’re doing for the state of your residents.”
Committeeman Jason Jones asked for the petition to be submitted to the township to be considered alongside other factors.
Laura Checki, who has owned her business for 15 years, said the Chamber of Commerce stands against any changes to parking.
“In recent weeks, we have engaged in conversations with many of our business owners and the overwhelming majority have expressed serious concerns that this plan will have a detrimental effect on their business,” she said.
Not only will they not support the proposal, she said, the chamber is actively working against the approval of the program.
“The proposed parking restrictions threat to create unnecessary barriers for customers, employees and tourists, many of whom already face challenges finding convenient parking, limiting access to their businesses, particularly in a town that relies heavily on tourism and foot traffic, could have lasting negative effects, including reduced sales, business closures and a less dynamic local economy,” she said.
Barbara Burns, an Ocean Grove resident, said those opposed to the pilot program are simply misinformed as there are no final proposals and the details are still undetermined.
Rick Cuttrell, a township resident, had a simple response.
“The idea is creating a zone of private parking,” he said after voicing his opposition.
