To the Editor:

As our municipality embarks on the process of implementing the recommendations of last year’s parking study, we on Princeton Council would like to bring to the community’s attention one particular opportunity which will soon be available to property owners in neighborhoods close to the center of town. On Monday, June 11, Council voted to approve a contract with Passport Services, a company which provides pay-by-phone capabilities for parking in town. One of the exciting features offered under this contract is the ability of private property owners with surplus parking on their lots to make that parking available to the public at certain times of day, tailored to the specific parking needs of the property owner. This can become a source of additional income to the property owner, as fees paid by those parking in the lot can be channeled to the owner.

Churches with spaces underutilized on weekdays and overnight, or business owners with spaces underutilized in the evening might equally benefit from such an arrangement. At the same time, it could help the entire community by alleviating parking supply bottlenecks, making trips into town more attractive and convenient for residents, and stimulating patronization of local businesses. If you are a property owner with 10 or more surplus spaces who might be interested in considering such an arrangement, please contact Deanna Stockton, municipal engineer, at dstockton@princetonnj.gov for more information. If you are a member of a church or other organization which might qualify, please raise the possibility with your leadership and encourage them to consider participating. This is a chance for us to come together as a community to help address a pressing need with a real win-win solution. 

David E. Cohen

Councilman

Jenny Crumiller,

Council President