Parking no problem in Ridgewood
Jim Finn
I have some very strong concerns that my town, Ridgewood, and Bergen County are in the process of spending valuable money to build a parking garage in an attempt to attract more shoppers and ease the crunch for residents.
I don’t know what the crunch is. I moved into Ridgewood in 1952, have lived in the general area since then and am a resident of the village once again. I have never had a problem finding a parking spot except in extreme cases like on the Fourth of July.
My primary concerns can be easily observed by spending a short amount of time in town on a Saturday evening. Cars are speeding through town and not paying attention to pedestrians in crosswalks. There are also arrogant jaywalkers galore, cars making illegal turns and cars illegally parked. There is no police presence.
read more :
https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/the-record-letters-thursday-oct-30-1.1122394?page=3
I, like Jim, have not experienced any major problems parking downtown. Yes, I had to drive around for a few minutes looking for a spot and yes, I sometimes have to hoof it a few blocks but so what? I get some exercise and Ridgewood’s downtown is a pleasant place for a walk anyway. I’ve been here 21 years and I have never considered parking to be a problem. Now a huge parking structure, that would be a problem.
I agree. It’s the perception of there being no spaces available based upon not being able to find one outside a favorite cafe or go-to places like the Post Office or Rite Aid. Adding more spaces will not alter this perception.
I agree with number one. I don’t see the harm in walking a few blocks. It does not stop me from shopping in RIdgewood. At the mall you have to walk really far from your car to your destination.
I always find parking by Mt. Carmel.
I see people park in bank lots at night. I know signs are posted not to, but it’s done and never heard of anyone being towed.
The town garage on Franklin has no parking signs but people park there anyway.
Seek and ye shall find……
Dammit I don’t want to spend time looking for a spot or walking a short distance. I want my damn spot in front of the store. I also don’t want to shut my car off while I run in. Honest I’ll be right back outside.
Dammit I work and/or own a retail store in Ridgewood and I want to park close to work. I don’t care if I am taking a spot from a paying customer.
I often visit downtown for lunch, dinner, and shopping and I would say the lack of parking is a legit issue. It is not perceived as you can drive for more than a “few” minutes and blocks and not find a parking spot. What time and where are you finding these spots? Living in the village for over 30 years the parking problem has only increased.
Also, I gladly would walk a block or two, however you can not expect that sediment for all customers. Many people have tight schedules/little children which doesn’t allow for a 5-10 walk or 5-10 min driving around when you can visit another town to get door-to-close door access. During my limited lunch breaks, if we can’t find parking we often visit Glen Rock.
We have been arguing this issue for years with no solution — so if the issue is a “perception” I find it interesting that resident and non-residents alike have kept the parking problem issue for years. Lets finally build more parking and allow more people to be able to enjoy the Ridgewood Downtown.
So long as there is no serious effort to prohibit repeat parking at meters, this problem will persist.
Unfortunately, the Village Council is in a “damned if we do, damned if we don’t” predicament of sorts.
Those who own/manage businesses in the CBD complain when too many summonses are issued, but they also complain about habitual violators of the repeat parking ordinance.
There is no solution to this problem. The parking garage will sit virtually empty except for commuters. No one who has business beyond one block of wherever the garage is built will use it. Trust me.
Agree with the above statement on the lack of a police presence in town and a complete lack of traffic law enforcement, any thing goes speeding u-turns on Ridgewood Av.,Broad st. etc. etc. etc.
To get to my job: walk to car. Drive to train. Wait on platform for train. Ride train. Get off train. Get on PATH platform. wait for PATH train. ride the PATH. Get off PATH. Walk up and outside. Walk ten minutes. Arrive at work. Repeat in evening. rede pat five days a week, 49 weeks of the year. Seriously, if you work in RIdgewood you want to park half a second from your store or office? Come on.
#6 – I am #1. I worked part-time and raised children, work full time now and on my days off I lunch with my ladies and parking has not (repeat has NOT) ever been a problem for me. If you’re schedule doesn’t have a few minutes built in to find parking and walk, then you’re doing it wrong.