CAPE MAY — A special election has been scheduled here for September 8 for a voter referendum on the question of installing parking meters in formerly un-metered areas in East Cape May.
The Friends and Neighbors of East Cape May (FAN ECM) led a petition drive against two ordinances passed by the city.
On June 10, Superior Court Judge Valerie Armstrong issued a decision upholding the group’s right to have two Cape May City parking meter ordinances submitted to voter referendum. The ordinances would expand existing parking meter zones along both sides of Beach, Wilmington, Madison, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Brooklyn avenues. Back-in angle parking spaces would be created along Beach Avenue to include nine blocks on the west end of town and seven primarily residential blocks in the east side of Cape May.
Jim Testa, chairman of FAN ECM, told the Herald voters would have a yes or no vote on both the angled parking and installation of additional meters. He said the city has the ability to repeal or modify the ordinances. A settlement agreement on the issue would remove the need to vote, said Testa.
According to the county Board of Elections, if needed, another referendum question could be added on how large a Convention Hall the city should build.
