VILLAS — Residents from Diamond Beach expressed displeasure with a new ordinance that proposes metered parking and seasonal parking permits in that area of Lower Township.
Township Council introduced a resolution March 20, authorizing a contract with ParkMobile to provide collection and management services. The initial service term is for five years and 75 cents for the on-demand user fee.
On April 6, Township Council introduced an ordinance establishing paid parking zones and parking meters, which would be in effect from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily from May 15 to Sept. 15.
Residents could purchase 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 will be issued per address.
Multiple residents expressed concerns about the effect of parking on their daily lives, including difficulties in finding spots and the potential for increased congestion.
Resident Sharon Williams asked for clarification on the areas in Diamond Beach that would have paid parking.
Deputy Mayor Kevin Coombs said it would be both sides of East Rochester Avenue from Diamond Sand Drive to Atlantic Avenue, Seaview Avenue from East Raleigh Avenue to the municipal boundary line with Wildwood Crest, both sides of Atlantic Avenue for the entire length of the boundary with Wildwood/Wildwood Crest, both sides of South Station Avenue from Seaview Avenue to its eastern terminus and both sides of East Raleigh Avenue to its eastern terminus.
East Raleigh Avenue resident Peter Greco commented on the communication process.
“When this letter was sent out earlier this year, it probably could have avoided a lot of upset people if it referred to potentially having paid parking,” Greco said. “There’s a lot of good stuff in this letter and most of us that live along Raleigh Avenue and the surrounding area, we welcome changes.”
Greco added that changes are needed because the area can get congested during the summer, with golf carts parking perpendicular to the curb or squeezing in between two parked cars.
“We need changes for sure,” Greco said. “This letter made no reference to paid parking and if it did, you would have had a larger group of residents from Diamond Beach come during the March 16 meeting to at least debate and try to influence the ordinance.”
Gerry Petraglia, a South Station Avenue resident, said he drove four hours to speak before the council.
“I am a 100 percent disabled veteran, and I don’t have the funds available for these additional costs of having to park,” Petraglia said. “I love it down here. My children were raised down here and all I’m asking is that you give us consideration for the costs of the permits and if we’re disabled, an additional cost like Cape May does.”
Resident Cindy Ricciardi said she wanted to go on the record regarding the township’s communication.
“Many of us didn’t know about parking because we didn’t get details about it and by the time we found out, it was too late,” she said, adding that there needs to be more details about how the seasonal parking passes will work.
Resident Louis Conrad said he would love to have a permit.
“The permit is like giving me a potato chip,” Conrad said. “Thank you for that. I want to have it, I gotta have it now.”
Resident Carmen Axmann said she did not receive the letter sent to property owners in Diamond Beach.
“The mayor was quoted in a local paper saying, ‘We’re going to mirror what our neighbors in Wildwood Crest do,’” Axmann said. “You can’t compare Diamond Beach with Wildwood Crest. There’s not enough parking as it is right now.”
Axmann added that in July and August, it is very difficult to find a parking spot.
“The cost of parking for my guests and other visitors would be substantial, not to mention a great inconvenience,” she said. “Among other differences between the Crest and Diamond Beach is the obvious one. The free beach and the private beaches in Diamond Beach.”
Access to the private beach at The Club is $8 for a daily pass and $120 for a seasonal pass.
“In my opinion, charging to park in Diamond Beach is the same as putting parking meters one block in along the bay in Townbank, in the Villas or North Cape May,” Axmann said.
Deputy Manager Jennifer Lewis said the goal of the ordinance was to improve parking availability, boost public safety and reduce congestion.
“On behalf of the township, we do appreciate your time coming here to share your concerns with us regarding the implementation of the paid parking,” Lewis said. “The implementation for parking is not intended to burden residents, but rather to address a lot of longstanding challenges.”
Lewis added that the key benefits of this approach include encouraging turnover and making more spaces accessible to residents, guests and visitors rather than leaving them occupied for extended periods.
“It will allow more visitors to access local establishments,” Lewis said. “We do want to emphasize that the township is implementing resident parking permit options, which will be offered at one of the lowest costs compared to surrounding towns.”
Additionally, Lewis said that each section of the township has unique characteristics and demands.
“It is our responsibility here at the township to manage those resources in ways that serve the entire township, while addressing specific challenges that do exist,” Lewis said.
Coombs asked Lewis whether the parking permits would be open to all Lower Township residents or only Diamond Beach residents.
Solicitor Robert Belasco said the ordinance, as written, would allow anyone with a township address to apply.
“Ordinances are always subject to modification,” Belasco said. “That has to be equal in terms of opportunity.”
Belasco said residents who want to inform themselves about the ordinance can find it on the township’s website.
A second reading and public hearing of the ordinance are scheduled for April 20.
By RACHEL SHUBIN/Special to the Star and Wave
