Residents of area complain of being targeted, high cost
VILLAS — Despite facing the outrage of more than 20 residents April 20, Township Council unanimously approved metered parking and seasonal permits in the Diamond Beach section of Lower Township.
Area residents dominated the public portion of the meeting, expressing anger over the proposal.
“How would you feel if you had a parking meter in front of your house when your folks came to visit? It’s a problem,” resident Susan Woska Petersen said. “You’re not helping our little township, you’re hurting it.”
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. The 2026 budget anticipates $175,000 in parking meter revenue.
On April 6, Township Council introduced an ordinance establishing paid parking zones and meters, which would be in effect from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily from May 15 to Sept. 15.
Mayor Frank Sippel said the township had been receiving complaints about parking, many of which originated in Diamond Beach. Township staff and engineers reviewed the ordinances governing parking in October 2025.
“By far, Diamond Beach experiences more congestion during summer months than other parts of the township,” Sippel said. “During the review, it was determined that a portion of curbs on various streets had been painted yellow by property owners to prohibit parking.”
Sippel added that several properties had taken steps to expand curb cuts beyond what is permitted by code.
“There were also property owners who had posted “No parking” signs, within the public right of way, preventing the public from parking on township streets,” Sippel said. “In an effort to avoid issuing tickets or zoning violations, the township manager took the steps to address these issues.”
In addition, Sippel said that Seapointe Village installed unauthorized paid parking on Seaview Avenue for 34 parking spaces in the public right of way. Seapointe Village was notified by the township, and the signs were removed immediately.
“It was determined that, after it freed up the parking space in Diamond Beach, these changes were not enough to effectively manage the lack of parking congestion,” Sippel said. “As a result, the town introduced ordinance 2026-04.”
Parking permits
During the meeting April 20, Township Council passed the ordinance to authorize the issuance of seasonal parking permits.
Residents can 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 will be issued per address.
The permits are available to any residents with a Lower Township address, which solicitor Robert Belasco said is equal access and equal opportunity.
“These are public streets and anyone has the right to park there,” Belasco said. “Limiting this to just Diamond Beach residents or exempting Diamond Beach residential parking fee, in my view, opens us to potential claims for residents in Lower Township who live elsewhere.”
Council amended the ordinance to allow for golf carts to receive a sticker to be affixed to a windshield or license plate.
Public feedback
Resident Carmen Axmann said parking permits are another way to inconvenience residents of Diamond Beach.
“A $250 permit doesn’t guarantee a parking spot,” Axmann said. “Also, why May 15? I welcome you to come during the week; there’s really no one there and even in September.”
East Raleigh Avenue resident Kelly Scardone said she would like to see the parking permit hours changed to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“You’re now losing 160 parking spots to ParkMobile availability,” Scardone said. “50 percent of Raleigh Avenue will now be paid parking, and the permit will not guarantee you a parking permit.”
Another East Raleigh Avenue resident, Ted Rose, said he has not seen residents this upset over anything in the 27 years he has been a homeowner.
“There’s always an underlying theme between Lower Township and Diamond Beach that we’re like the stepchildren, and it doesn’t feel great because we pay a lot in taxes,” Rose said.
He added the permit situation has created chaos, in addition to his disappointment about the communication and notification process regarding the parking meters.
“I want to address the mayor and your comments around the other townships and what they’re paying for parking permits,” Rose said. “You can’t compare what we get for six or seven blocks compared to [towns] with 40 blocks.”
Sippel 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.”
Resident Kathy Shenton said the process, fairness and trust were all in question between Lower Township and Diamond Beach.
“Diamond Beach is the only oceanfront community and the only one being targeted for paid parking as a revenue source,” Shenton said. “Why don’t you target the bay as well?”
West Memphis Avenue resident Phyllis Sockwell said instead of meters, the township should install more handicap parking spots.
“The last several years, the overflow parking for people going to the beach is now coming as far as where I live,” Sockwell said. “It’s very disappointing as to what’s happening to our little neighborhood.”
Axmann said she was concerned that the ParkMobile signs would destroy the natural beauty of their community.
“I welcome you to go to Diamond Beach and Atlantic Avenue and start driving toward the Crest. You run into parking sign after parking sign. It’s an eyesore,” Axmann said.
East Raleigh Avenue resident Lisa Heckman said that if the parking permits were for all of Lower Township to be equal, parking meters should be installed over near Delaware Bay.
“We know that you live over by the bay, and we know your wives come to our beach,” Heckman said. “Are they going to be the ones using your parking passes? Is this what this is about, so your families can use our street?”
Another East Raleigh Avenue resident, Cindy Ricciardi, said several residents had driven down for two council meetings and that it felt like a waste of her time.
“You have said that you will take our thoughts and our comments into consideration and then turn around and pass the [ordinance],” Ricciardi said. “I feel like there are comments made here that are not the truth.”
Sippel said the information for the meeting is prepared, which is why there is a comment period. He added that specific questions could be addressed with the township manager.
“We’re offended you think that we’re up here putting out stuff that is not truthful,” Sippel said. “We pass hundreds of resolutions, dozens of ordinances and we get so much on our plate, it’s not fair for a person at the podium to ask a question and expect us to respond back with an answer.”
Councilman Roland Roy said he had several pages of notes, and the council wants to be transparent with the community.
“We want you to understand where it comes from and we want to hear what you have to say,” Roy said. “It’s your right to come here and voice your opinions, and you did so, and we have a lot to think about.”
By RACHEL SHUBIN/Special to the Star and Wave
