Meters, permits considered in Diamond Beach section
VILLAS — Faced with public backlash, Township Council is reconsidering the implementation of metered parking and seasonal permits in Diamond Beach.
An ordinance introduced April 6 would establish paid parking zones and meters to be in effect from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily from May 15 to Sept. 15.
The final reading and public hearing of the ordinance is scheduled for 5 p.m. May 18 at Township Hall.
“I think we’re going to try to pause it; it’s only been introduced and has to be voted on during the next meeting,” Mayor Frank Sippel told the Star and Wave. “The intent all along with the paid parking was to free up parking and congestion in Diamond Beach.”
As written, the ordinance would allow residents to buy seasonal parking permits instead of paying daily. Applicants would be required to pay a non-refundable fee of $250. Eligibility is limited to those who maintain an address in the township; no more than two permits would be issued per address.
The township had a parking analysis completed, which came back on April 1. Sippel said it was a positive indicator that more parking spaces could be available in Diamond Beach.
Sippel said that during the analysis, the township engineer found that houses and streets with curbs had been painted beyond what is permitted by code.
“Over the course of years, people kind of painted themselves to free up some parking spaces in front of their house,” he said. “We had identified some legal parking spaces in Diamond Beach to help out with congestion and parking, but we’re going to take a step backward and see how that works out.”
Sippel added that he believes the council will move to pause the ordinance.
“Is there a chance council might say, ‘You know what? We want paid parking,’” he said. “Of course there is, because there are five councilmen who all get a vote. I’m confident it’s going to go in the direction where we will pause it and look at everything, and see how things go.”
During the April 20 meeting, more than 20 residents spoke out against the plan.
Residents were concerned about the metered parking timeframe, the active months and permits not guaranteeing a place to park.
Sippel, Councilman Joseph Wareham and Councilman Roland Roy said they were taking notes during the meeting.
“If we can go back and make things better, we will,” Sippel said. “That’s why we’re here, and that’s why you come to talk to us.”
By RACHEL SHUBIN/Special to the Star and Wave
