Three meters to be installed on south side of Ferry Street

But after hearing complaints from residents about the lack of parking, the City Council may extend the proposal to include the entire south side of the street.

By: Cynthia Williamson
   LAMBERTVILLE — The City Council plans to install three new meters on the south side of Ferry Street, between Kline’s Court and South Union Street.
   But after hearing complaints from a couple about the lack of parking on their street, the council may extend the metering proposal to include the entire south side of Ferry Street, between the Delaware and Raritan Canal and South Union Street.
   The west block of Ferry is one of the few streets near the central business district without meters, which makes it a popular location for employees working in shops on Kline’s Court to park, Ferry Street residents Terry and Bruce Rock lamented.
   "Mainly, it’s the central business district employees taking up the parking," Mrs. Rock said.
   Mr. Rock added, "Some businesses don’t have sufficient on-site parking or any at all."
   The measure may deter some motorists from leaving their cars parked on the street all day but the Rocks don’t particularly want the meters. They would prefer the city issue them residential parking stickers, permitting them to park in front of metered spaces within a block of their house.
   But the council pointed out the permits are issued only to residents living on metered streets. And if they make a special exception for the Ferry Street residents, they would have to extend it to all residents.
   The only options left are to "do nothing" or install meters, Mayor David Del Vecchio said.
   While Councilman Steve Stegman said he "doesn’t disagree with the concept" of installing meters along the south side of Ferry Street, he pointed out it could create more headaches for residents because delineating the parking spaces might eliminate a few.
   Before reaching a decision on whether to install only the three meters approved earlier or to add more along the entire south side, the council directed Public Works Director Paul Cronce on Sept. 17 to "lay out the area" to give residents an "idea" how many spaces they could lose if the westernmost end of Ferry Street is metered.
   Metering "may not be the solution you’re looking for," Councilwoman Cindy Ege warned the residents.
   "Is the (council) going to consider people who have lived here all their life or people that come and go?" Mr. Rock asked. "We’re the little people who also pay taxes."
   In the 21 years she has lived on the street, Mrs. Rock said parking in their neighborhood has given way to such things as a fire hydrant, restoration of the canal and a handicapped parking space in front of the Rocks’ house, which was approved by the council at its Sept. 17 meeting.
   It is estimated there are nine parking spaces available on the west block of Ferry Street, including the handicapped space. If the street is metered, about two spaces would be eliminated.
   No parking is permitted along the entire north side of Ferry Street, between the canal and South Main Street.
   In another matter related to parking, Bonnie Gendaszek requested the council create a handicapped parking space in front of the Lambertville Post Office on the corner of York and Clinton streets.
   "If you’re handicapped, you can’t get to the post office," said the Delaware Avenue resident, who experienced access difficulties firsthand after she broke her foot earlier this year.
   While the post office has a handicapped space in its parking lot off Clinton Street, Mrs. Gendaszek noted the location is "not practical" for individuals who "can’t walk."
   "It doesn’t work," she said.
   The parking space is situated behind the building, about 30 feet from the post office’s main entrance on York Street.
   City officials told Mrs. Gendaszek if placement of the handicapped space is not conducive to customers, it’s up to the post office to make the changes.
   Furthermore, officials said they weren’t aware of any federal guidelines regulating distances.
   City Clerk Mary Elizabeth Sheppard said the council considered creating a handicapped parking space near the post office two years ago but decided against the measure because it would "add to the congestion."
   Councilman Steve Stegman suggested creating the handicapped space but place a time restriction on its use. Police Director Bruce Cocuzza pointed out it is not permitted under the federal guidelines.
   The closest handicapped space to the post office is about a half block away on North Union Street, alongside City Hall.