“Simply stated, I am not convinced that we need a large, potentially expensive garage in our downtown area, and I am not convinced that we need additional commercial space. In fact, the more I learn about the situation, the more I believe that a garage now would be a big mistake.”
Dec 19, 2008 • 10:11 pm
Paul Aronsohn
Too few parking spaces. Too many parking tickets. And too many excuses about why nothing meaningful has been done about either situation.
Parking problems in the Village are nothing new. We all know that. In fact, if you listen to some of the old timers,such problems reportedly predated the advent of the automobile! But regardless, the fact remains — we have some serious parking issues that demand some serious answers … now.
A PARKING GARAGE?
In this context, much of the discussion over the past year has been about the possibility of constructing a large garage on the corner of Franklin and North Walnut – a garage that would be a few stories tall and include commercial space. And much of the focus has been on three proposals submitted by three companies – all
different but all seemingly trying to address the perceived needs of the Village.
I, however, remain skeptical. Simply stated, I am not convinced that we need a large, potentially expensive garage in our downtown area, and I am not convinced that we need additional commercial space. In fact, the more I learn about the situation, the more I believe that a garage now would be a big mistake.
Granted, downtown Ridgewood is often congested and finding a parking space in front of your favorite restaurant or store can be near impossible at times. But there are always – repeat, always – empty parking spaces in the central business district. You just have to walk a block or two to find them. And if you are unwilling or unable to walk a couple of blocks, then a garage – situated on the edge of the business district – would not likely help you.
And as for commercial space, our focus should be on trying to fill the many vacancies that already exist throughout the downtown area. The possibility of adding stores – even a “big box” store – may be attractive to some, but now does not seem to be the time to take such a gamble. In addition to our own vacancies, one only has to drive down Route 17 and in neighboring towns to see that the recession is taking a very real toll on our local economy.
A PARKING COMMITTEE?
Alongside conversations about a possible garage, the Village Council recently established a committee to“undertake a comprehensive review of the parking and pedestrian issues in the Central Business District and train station….” A good idea in theory – one that I initially supported, but one that may be undermined by some of those involved in the process. Specifically, I have been told – in no uncertain terms – that the committee should not address the garage proposal and should not even seek to increase the number of parking spaces in the downtown area.
This, to me, is a real shame and a real mistake. In my mind, it defies logic and good, common sense to establish a parking committee – give it a broad, three month mandate – but not let it deal with one of the biggest perceived parking issues: scarcity of spaces. Sure, there are other issues that can and will be addressed, but how – in good conscience – can we call this a “parking committee” when it is not allowed to deal with the Village’s central parking issue?
Needless to say, I hope the new committee will see fit to revisit the garage proposal and take a broad, meaningful look at the parking situation. Comprised of some really bright, thoughtful members of our community I am hopeful that the Committee will do the right thing.
QUICK, SMART FIXES?
Nonetheless, some of the answers to our parking problem seem obvious as well as easy and cheap to achieve.Here are a few ideas, some of which are already under consideration:
Stop the meterfeeding on East Ridgewood Avenue – a regular practice of some of those who work in the central business district. The police should crack down on this practice. People who work in the downtown area should park in the many longterm spaces that have been designated for their use – spaces that are on the margins of the downtown area.
Reduce the period of time that meters are enforced in the central business district. Currently, the meters run from 9am to 8pm. That should be changed to 10am to 6pm. This would be good for our restaurant owners as well as our restaurant goers. And the lost revenue for the Village could be made up with a system of tiered parking rates.
Implement a more efficient system for commuter parking – one that provides additional spaces as well as an easier way of paying for them. Our commuters should not have to carry a pocket full of quarters, hunt for parking spaces, or worry about getting home from work on time. Consideration should be given to using the parking lot on the east side of the train station for commuters and to using new individualizedmeter technology, as suggested by the Village Manager.
Repaint the parking spaces – and the boxes between them – in the downtown area. According to a friend of mine, who happens to be a traffic engineer, we could add 30 to 50 spaces in the downtown area by just repainting some lines and adding some meters. And while I don’t know this to be true, it certainly seems well worth exploring.
Increase the number of parking spaces for people with disabilities. With the help of the Village Manager’s office, this process has already begun. The idea is to make our downtown more accessible to people with mobility issues.
Enhance the signage for parking lots. Letting people know – through better signage, the Village website, etc. –about the location and availability of parking lots would certainly increase their utilization.
My overall point is this: We have some significant parking challenges in the Village – all of which could and should be addressed in a smart, timely, and costeffective manner. And with New Jersey Transit getting ready to begin a 3year project at the train station, it is incumbent upon us to move swiftly to offset what will be a temporary loss of commuter parking spaces.
I would therefore suggest that we (1) halt the garage proposal, (2) light a fire under the parking committee, and (3)work together – as a community — to address one of the most pressing quality of life issues in our Village.
The bad news is that it has taken us so long to get to this point. The good news, however, is that we are here now,and we have five Council Members genuinely committed to addressing this issue in a serious way.
So, let’s get busy.
