VILLAS – Lower Township Council took action on two ordinances written to honor the township’s military veterans, May 15.
The council introduced Ordinance 2023-10, which, if passed on second reading, will change the name of Station Road, in Villas, to “Veterans Way.”
Mayor Frank Sippel said Station Road, which runs behind the Lower Township branch of the County Library up to the municipal complex, was so named because the police station was once located there. The police station is currently located within the Cape May County Airport complex, as is the municipal court.
The ordinance says the change is meant to “honor and acknowledge the significant sacrifices the men and women of our armed forces have made for our country.”
Council passed Ordinance 2023-09 after second reading and public hearing, which creates designated parking spots for Purple Heart recipients and disabled veterans.
The creation of special parking spaces is another way the township seeks to honor and acknowledge its veterans. The township is designating 24 parking spaces, many located at township parks and municipal buildings, and allows free parking at metered spots, of which there are currently none in the township.
The parking privilege applies to the qualifying veteran and/or the driver of the car in which the veteran is a passenger. No other person is allowed to park in spots designated as for disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients.
The car will either have to carry a Purple Heart recipient license plate or a placard issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Violators are subject to a fine of not more than $100 for the first offense and $200 for the second and subsequent offenses.