Parking in South Orange

I'm sorry if there are other discussions about this but does anyone know if there are any additional plans for more parking in South Orange near the train station? I spoke with parking authority a few days ago. They said the new apartment complex where the Old Rescue Squad is - was going to add 255 parking spots, but 225 would be permit based thus only adding 30 spots for those without permits. I've been on a permit list for 4 years and it looks like there is a minimum of 3 more years before I could even qualify for a permit based on the current roster. It feels like a bit of a slap in the face for the local businesses and commuters in the area to not have enough parking. I know there is the jitney, which is great but there are many of us who work outside the normal morning and evening jitney hours and can not find parking. I know that some of our parking is being taken by residents of other towns - i.e. Maplewood folks who come to South Orange also to park.

There are numerous spots that open up in the main lot behind the movie theatre beginning at 9:30am. I tried parking there recently at 9:25 and all the additional slots were taken, even though those spots don't open up until later. On weekends - people are circling the lots to find parking.

The Parking Authority didn't seem to have any solutions to the lack of parking that our growing town needs.

I'm not sure where additional spots would go. The NJ transit lot is open to all so a parking deck would do more to address parking challenges for WO and Livingston residents. I'd prefer if it were SO only or gave preference to residents - but that's not going to happen.

there is a posting on craigs list for a spot
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/prk/4922170045.html

I do not think its the parking authorities fault. I blame the lack of vision for the downtown - I still am baffled that the rescue squad was moved to such a prime downtown location. It cost parking along with the potential for retail development.

There is a prime location on 2nd Street that the Village bought when I was on the BOT, with the intent of extending the adjacent parking lot and adding 10-15 more spaces. The Village spent money to buy the property and tear down the house that was on it.

For a while, nothing happened since the Village was considering putting the temporary trailers for Village Hall on that lot. However, the decision to scrap the trailers was made almost 2 years ago, but that lot is still vacant and prime for parking.

Does anyone know if the surrounding towns are having as many parking problems? The new garage that was built in Millburn must of been an tremendous help and I notice the new parking going up in Orange.

EderTerr said:

Does anyone know if the surrounding towns are having as many parking problems? The new garage that was built in Millburn must of been an tremendous help and I notice the new parking going up in Orange.

Uhh....have you talked to any millburn commuters? What I heard (second/third hand) is that those with parking permits had less issues with the valet parking setup while the new garage doubled their fees.

There is sufficient permit parking in Maplewood but you have to be a Maplewood resident to get a Maplewood parking permit. Depending on how off rush hour your work schedule is, you might be able to find non-permit required parking not too far from the Maplewood train station and take the train from there. Train fare would be more expensive than it is from South Orange though.

EderTerr said:

Does anyone know if the surrounding towns are having as many parking problems? The new garage that was built in Millburn must of been an tremendous help and I notice the new parking going up in Orange.

I thought that was an apartment building going up in Orange?

I don't know what it's like for commuters, but personally I find parking in Millburn completely aggravating and it prevents me from going there more often. The garage does not seem to be open for shoppers/general public (but correct me if I'm wrong on this) - and even if it is, it's still a bit of schlep to some areas of downtown. But because of all the one ways, it takes a while to look for another spot and then circle back to the garage if I can't find one.