Experiment Becomes Exclusive Zone: Council Extends Program to Combat Restaurant Parking Demand
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ, great news for quick shoppers and hungry commuters in Westwood! What started as a trial run to ease downtown parking woes has been deemed a massive success, leading the Borough Council to establish the 10-minute free “Grab and Go” parking program as a permanent feature of the Central Business District.
This decision comes as the borough grapples with increased parking demands driven by the popularity of fast-casual dining and service businesses. The move is a “win-win for everyone,” according to Councilwoman Cheryl Hodges, liaison to the Parking Utility.
The Pilot Program Success Story
The “Grab and Go” pilot program ran from September 15 to October 31, designating short-term, free parking zones on three key downtown streets:
-
Center Avenue (North of Westwood Avenue)
-
Fairview Avenue (South of Westwood Avenue)
-
Madison Avenue (North of Washington Avenue)
Councilwoman Hodges reported the program was “very well received” by both residents and business owners, who appreciated the convenience for picking up preordered items or for food delivery drivers (like Uber Eats and Grub Hub).
The designated areas, marked by a recognizable green stripe and parking signs, were previously used as less-utilized loading zones, making the dual-purpose use highly efficient.
Permanent Changes for 2026
Following the successful trial, the Borough Council voted on December 2nd to extend the pilot through the end of the year. Excitingly, 2026 will see the program become permanently integrated into the downtown landscape with dedicated zones:
| Location | 2026 Permanent Use | Reason |
| Center Avenue | Exclusive Grab and Go | Most used area, close proximity to high-turnover spots (Starbucks, Goldberg’s Bagels). |
| Fairview Avenue | Dual-Purpose (Loading & Grab and Go) | Effective balance between quick parking and essential loading needs. |
| Madison Avenue | Dual-Purpose (Loading & Grab and Go) | Provides a much-needed option for quick pickups and deliveries. |
Mayor Raymond Arroyo noted that the Center Avenue area, checked 3-4 times a day during the trial, saw 100 vehicles utilizing the Grab and Go stalls, confirming its success.
Solving the “Parking Puzzle”
Mayor Arroyo highlighted that this successful pilot program provides a “welcome, timely and successful” solution as the town continues to deal with the rising parking demand and limited on-street inventory.
The dedication of the Parking Utility and Police Chief Michael Pontillo was instrumental in planning and monitoring the program, ensuring the needs of the central business district—which has shifted from lower-impact retail to parking-intensive dining—are met with practical, innovative solutions.
Join the new Saddle River Valley, Ramapo and Pascack Valley Communities Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1931704860512551/
#news #follow #media #trending #viral #newsupdate #currentaffairs #BergenCountyNews #NJBreakingNews #NJHeadlines #NJTopStories
I stay the heck out of the CBD….we shop in Westwood.