Teaneck Paid Parking Proposal Stirs Debate
TEANECK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Money maker or business breaker?
That's the debate in Teaneck over a proposal to put in more parking meters, CBS2's Scott Rapoport reported.
Some of the people who run the Bergen County town say parking meters and paid parking are an economic necessity to raise additional revenue for Teaneck services -- as opposed to raising taxes.
And they have some supporters.
"Everywhere else you go, any other town, you have to pay money for parking," said restaurant owner Don Mizrahi.
Councilman Jason Castle is the man behind the latest effort to create more paid parking areas in municipal lots and in the business district.
He said the problem is that while some lots require paid parking, many other areas -- such on Cedar Lane and the lots behind it -- do not and are constantly packed with cars parked for hours at a time for free.
Castle said meters, charging 25 cents per half-hour, would not only turn spots over quickly, but also raise up to $500,000 a year in revenue for the township.
"We don't want to ask our residents to reach deeper into their pockets to pay their taxes," Castle said.
But there are many in Teaneck who are opposed to the idea.
"I think it sucks actually," said resident Josh Passaretti.
"It's going to take a lot of customers away," said Ahmed Morsy, a store manager.
"Practically speaking, it's probably going to kill business on the avenue," said Dr. Steven Starkman, who owns an optical store on Cedar Lane.
"Once you start putting meters in, everybody's going to be a little more leery of coming here," Starkman added. "And they're going to go to the highway, where they don't have to put in meter money."
Castle said his preliminary proposal could add two dozen more meters and several hundred more paid parking spots throughout Teaneck.
Lawmakers in Teaneck will discuss the proposal at a council meeting Tuesday night before taking input from the community.