VILLAS — Several residents said they are still dealing with various parking issues in the Diamond Beach section of the township.
On July 6, Jim Pomponi said the repaving in Diamond Beach went smoothly and was well done, but the yellow lines to prevent overhang parking near driveways still need to be done.
“It’s very difficult to get in and out when people are there,” he said, adding that there have been several instances of cars blocking driveways.
Pomponi also urged Township Council to consider making East Richmond Avenue one-way. He presented several photos he took of the street during the Fourth of July weekend.
“It’s not wide enough for two-way traffic,” he said. “The street is 30 feet wide; a parking spot is eight and a half feet by 18 feet; that’s [12] feet you have clearance and you’re not going to get clearance to get two vehicles by.”
Pomponi added that in an emergency, it would be difficult for first responders to get down the street. He said he has appeared before the council previously with the same request.
“I’ve consulted with Councilman Roy and I’ve been over there twice since the last meeting and I talked to [Township Administrator Michael] Laffey, and our police department went over and took pictures,” Mayor Frank Sippel said. “At the next meeting, we’re looking to introduce an ordinance to make it a one-way street.”
Jerry Scarpitti said he was glad to hear that the council would be addressing traffic flow on East Richmond Avenue.
Resident Lisa Heckman asked council about the parking lines. She said she measured the parking space outside her home at 23 feet long, saying that reduces the number of parking spaces available.
“I don’t know if anybody drove through Diamond Beach on the Fourth of July, but it was complete chaos,” she said. “Vehicles were parked all the way down Pacific to Two Mile Landing.”
She added that there was also confusion about motorcycle and golf cart parking spaces.
“When we told you we had a problem with parking, now that these lines are in, I hope you will address that,” Heckman said, adding that if East Raleigh Avenue were repaved, she hoped that the parking spaces could be made smaller.
Resident Cindy Ricciardi asked whether the paid parking ordinance would be reintroduced.
In May, Township Council repealed an ordinance that would have established paid parking zones and parking meters in Diamond Beach. The intent was to generate revenue and increase turnover in parking to ease congestion, but the initiative was roundly criticized.
“Some residents in Diamond Beach are saying that you’re not really rescinding that ordinance, that you couldn’t operationalize it for this summer,” Ricciardi said. “What I heard you guys say is that you’re going to be transparent and you’re going to take into consideration residents’ concerns. Am I being foolish?”
Sippel said the public comment during the meeting was for comments, not a question-and-answer period.
By RACHEL SHUBIN/Special to the Star and Wave