Overnight Summer Parking Restrictions in Effect Again in Point Pleasant Beach

Point Pleasant Beach's overnight parking restrictions are in effect again, following revisions the Borough Council unanimously approved to an ordinanceTuesday night outlining permit eligibility, according to Mayor Vincent Barrella.

While the substance of the ordinance is basically the same, the changes come on the heels of a court decision last month, declaring the measure invalid for not having a quorum when it was first introduced several years ago.

Barrella said he doesn't anticipate any problems with the way the amendments were enacted and passed Tuesday night.

"The substance of the plan has been upheld.The problem is, is that certain business owners have consistently challenged it on procedural grounds. They've lost the substantive challenge. Unfortunately, the courts have bought those procedural arguments," explained Barrella.

Those without a valid placard are not allowed to park along the beach or on nearby designated side streets overnight, from 12:30 a.m. to 4:00 a.m., from mid-March to mid-September.

"There was some tinkering done with who is eligible for passes, standpoint of business, employees of businesses, and residents and property owners outside of the areas that are covered," Barrella said.

There is alternate free parking available for visitors. No fee will be charged at the Silver Lake lot between 11:00 p.m. and 6 a.m., from mid-May through mid-September.

The ordinance states that every resident and residential taxpayer in the covered area will be issued 5 placards by the Administrator to serve as the parking pass.

Businesses in Point Pleasant Beach can apply for parking permits for each of their employees.

The overnight parking restrictions were spurred to quell drinking incidents and other quality of life issues that arose in 2011, according to Barrella.