A busy schedule has prevented city officials from meeting with residents regarding parking problems.
By: Steve Bates
LAMBERTVILLE A busy schedule has prevented city officials from meeting with Ferry Street residents regarding parking difficulties, but Mayor David Del Vecchio said Monday the two parties will sit down together in the next couple of weeks.
The City Council planned to address the lack of parking on Ferry Street by installing three new parking meters between Kline’s Court and South Union Street, which would entitle residents to parking permits. The city also is considering extending the metering to include the entire south side of Ferry Street, between the Delaware and Raritan Canal and South Union Street.
However, some residents say they would rather receive permits without having the meters installed on their street, which goes against city policy. And some would like the city to authorize parking on the north side of the street between the canal and South Main Street as a way to alleviate parking problems.
A few residents who attended the council meeting Oct. 15 wanted to discuss the matter. But the issue had not been placed on the agenda, and no one was prepared to discuss it, Mayor Del Vecchio said.
He promised at the meeting officials and residents would sit down and come up with a plan.
The mayor said Monday this plan could include the authorization of parking on the north side of Ferry Street, provided emergency vehicles could get in and out without a problem.
Other items have occupied the city’s time recently including a discussion about the recycling program and negotiations with the Police Benevolent Association, Mayor Del Vecchio said.
"We haven’t focused on it yet," he said.
In the meantime, the Public Works Department is trying to determine exactly how many parking spaces would be lost on Ferry Street if meters are installed.
The west block of Ferry Street is one of the few streets near the central business district without meters, which makes it a popular parking location for employees working in shops on Kline’s Court.
It is estimated there are nine parking spaces available on the west block of Ferry Street, including a handicapped space. If the street were metered, about two spaces would be eliminated.
The mayor said the city was open to the suggestions of residents because officials want to act in their best interest.
"We’re trying to solve their problem," he said.

