New Jersey Town Residents Concerned Streets Will Become Parking Lot With Memorial Day Approaching

OCEAN GROVE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Residents in one small New Jersey town are concerned their streets will become a parking lot for the neighboring Asbury Park crowds with Memorial Day weekend approaching.

Ocean Grove residents told CBS2's Meg Baker that parking issues in the town have gotten worse since neighboring Asbury Park has become a new hot spot.

"Asbury Park has dreamt of becoming 'Hipster City,'" Ocean Grove resident Paul Goldfinger said.

Ocean Grove has the largest density of Victorian homes in the United States and no driveways or garages to park in.

During prime summertime, prices surge to $2 an hour to park in Asbury Park. Instead of paying, they try to find parking in Ocean Grove.

"They head south to Ocean Grove where the parking is free and the living is easy," Goldfinger said.

Residents said it's not even the weekend and the town is already filled up. Joyce Klein, who is on the board of the Ocean Grove Homeowners Association, said she and others will be talking with Neptune Township about permit parking for residents. That meeting with take place June 13.

"There is just not enough space in Ocean Grove for us to become Asbury Park's parking lot," Klein said.

However, Asbury Park has its own parking issues.

"Growth and development brings demand for parking. I mean, that's the pretty age-old question," Jackie Pappas of Asbury Park's Chamber of Commerce said. "Of course we're going through growing pains."

There are more than 400 spaces, but only a few free spots in the residential section and on Main Street.

"We are sister cities and we are all in walking distance," Pappas said.

Asbury Park is also suggesting that visitors take the train. It's a 12 minute walk to the Boardwalk.