STONE HARBOR – The beach parking lot east of Second Avenue at 96th and 95th streets will be open to permit parking for the 2024 paid parking season, which runs from May 1 to Oct. 1, the Borough Council decided at its May 21 work session.
The council was reacting to complaints from some permit holders that there were not enough permit spaces for the number of permits sold last year. Individuals who paid for permits said at the May 7 council meeting that they were unable to find legal spaces in the five lots the borough’s ordinance designates for permit holders.
Although no formal vote was taken at the work session, Police Chief Thomas Schutta responded to a Herald inquiry by saying he has instructed his personnel not to issue a summons in the beach lot if a parking permit is displayed.
The action is being taken in advance of the required updating of the borough’s parking ordinance, which will take place over a set of upcoming meetings. Ordinance amendments must be spread over at least two meetings and require a public hearing.
Council President Frank Dallahan, who also chairs the Public Safety Committee, said the sale of parking permits would be capped at 225. The permits entitle the holder to park in the designated lots. They cost $250 for the season, according to the borough website.
The seasonal permits are popular with business owners and employees who need to park for long periods. Other paid parking in or near the business district is subject to use of the ParkMobile app.
The borough is expecting that problems in 2023 with the rollout of the ParkMobile payment system will resolve themselves this year, as residents and visitors are more familiar with the app. The borough has also taken steps to make it easier for visitors to identify paid parking spots.
