Nothing brightens the end of a long work day quite like pulling right into a freed-up parking space close to home. Thanks to an extensive project led by North Bergen’s Parking Authority, finding that perfect spot will soon become easier.
The township is in the process of acquiring unused or abandoned properties to develop for residential parking. Officials recently announced that they anticipate developing or expanding six new residential lots over the course of this year.
Bob Baselice, executive director of the parking authority, said, “Over the years it’s been more and more difficult for residents to find parking when they arrive home. With the mayor and board of commissioners, we’ve been campaigning to seek out abandoned properties and bond out money to convert them into parking lots in a few neighborhoods.”
The Parking Authority is actively seeking suggestions, and urges residents to call (201) 869-6200 if they know of any unused plots of land they feel the township should purchase for parking.
“We’re hoping to have close to 400 parking spaces by the middle of 2019.” — Bob Baselice
These spots will beat the street
Baselice said the residential parking spaces they’re developing have an added benefit of safety that parking in the street can’t afford.
“We hope to get cars off the street,” Baselice said. “Our lots will have security cameras with a direct feed to the police department, giving them extra eyes 24/7. Between the police and the township, this project will be a major team effort.”
Following a snowstorm, street parking is often impossible or hazardous. The new parking sites, however, will be plowed and maintained after any inclement weather, Baselice said.
A lot at the intersection of 13th Street and Paterson Plank Road opened on Dec. 17.
The move to expand residential parking went through an earlier phase this year, when 42 new spots were added to a section of Broadway running through the business district by converting street-side parking into an angled layout.
On Nov. 28, township officials visited the area, dubbed “Restaurant Row,” to hear positive feedback from business owners on Broadway.
“We’re hoping to have close to 400 parking spaces by the middle of 2019, and we plan to start knocking down the houses on the properties we own in January,” Baselice said.
The ongoing list of land parcels converting to parking include:
– Intersection of 13th Street and Paterson Plank Road
– 22nd Street and Grand Avenue
– The former Westchester Lace site at 39th Street and Liberty Avenue
– Expansion of the lot adjacent to the Westchester Lace site
– Expansion of the lot at 601 Bove Terrace
– Expansion of the lot at 7316-7322 Broadway
Mike Monetemarano can be reached at mmontemarano@hudsonreporter.com
