Council Approves More Metered Parking

Residents could soon find more metered parking on some streets in the city’s northwest section, but those who have permits won't have to pay.

Meters will be installed between 15th and 16th streets on the east sides of Clinton, Grand, Adams and Jefferson streets, and on both sides of 15th Street between Madison Street and Willow Avenue.

The start date for the pilot program, which as approved by the City Council on Wednesday night, has not yet been determined. It will last at least 180 days, according to Transportation and Parking Director Ian Sacs.

The pilot program will also change the signage on the street, from the familiar green and white signs that read, respectively, “residential permit parking only" and "all others four hours."

The new signs will read “permit parking only, all others pay at meter."

Sacs says the current that language has caused some confusion.

“What we are doing here is we’re testing a possible solution, after a lot of deliberation, and we’ll see how it goes," he said.

While visitors without a temporary permit will have to pay at the meter, residents with parking permits will not need to pay at the meter.

"That's what differentiates from the way we have used meters in the city so far," said Councilman David Mello. He added that if the pilot program is a success, the same policy could be applied to other streets in Hoboken.

Sacs said the meters will still allow for four-hour parking for visitors at the cost of $.25 per 15 minutes. Like the multispace parking meters in other parts of the city, the meters for this program will take coins and credit cards. Sacs said the parking utility is also close to offering a type of debit card for parking.

Councilman Tim Occhipinti, who voted against the program, said he is concerned that more metered parking will deter visitors from coming to Hoboken.

“It’s pretty clear that they know that they get four hours of free parking,” he said. He added that he is concerned about businesses near the streets specified in the program. , at 15th and Grand streets, is one business that is now surrounded by free street parking but could be affected.

Visitors can also get a visitor parking permit at City Hall for $5 a day.

“You come to Hoboken because you want to enjoy the atmosphere in Hoboken,” Sacs said.

Councilman Michael Russo said he not only supports the program but would also support metering the entire city.

“I think in the long run, it actually reduces a lot of confusion, it reduces a lot of staffing down at the parking utility,” Russo said. He said it also offers a protection for residents because they can park where they’d like without having to worry about paying a meter.

“I think this is going to move the city forward," he said.

Councilwoman Theresa Castellano said she would not support metering the entire city.