Cape May to Rescind Parking Permits Ordinance

CAPE MAY — City Council introduced an ordinance May 19 to repeal an ordinance that issued on street parking permits.
Last month, council amended an ordinance passed last year that allowed issuance of on-street parking permits to reserve a space in front of certain homes that did not have a driveway.
Changes to the ordinance stipulated that a person who resided in Cape May on a part time basis and rented their property any time in the year will not be eligible for an on-street parking permit for any portion of the year. A part time resident will qualify for a permit only for five consecutive months which would include a fee for removing the sign designating the space after the resident leaves town for the year.
The ordinance change also stipulated no more than one on-street parking permit would be issued for any building regardless of the number of units.
Mayor Edward J. Mahaney Jr. told the Herald those who have been issued on street parking permits for this year summer will be able to use the permits. He said one of the current participants in the on street parking program was anticipating filing legal action against the city for council’s revisions to the ordinance which disqualified rental properties in the 2010 season and beyond.
“In review, City Council felt it was not advisable to spend taxpayer’s dollars to defend this lawsuit,” said the mayor. “We introduced an ordinance to repeal the entire program.”
“We are confident after looking at the 50 participants for this year, that there are legitimately about 10 participants who meet the intent of the ordinance passed by the previous council last year,” said Mahaney.
He said the city felt confident it would be able to secure parking availability, particularly in summer months, by networking them with other private property owners in their area.
Second reading and public hearing on the ordinance will be held June 16 at 7 p.m.