Caldwell Moves to Bag Meters, Boost Business

A recommendation from the borough’s merchants association to offer free parking one Saturday a month was approved unanimously by the Caldwell Council Tuesday night.

The suggestion was made at a recent meeting of the Caldwell Merchants Association, attended by the mayor and a councilman, where members discussed numerous ideas to boost business in the borough.

The Caldwell Police will bag the 200 meters in the business district on Friday evenings before the first Saturday of the month starting with April 6, Mayor Ann Dassing said. The mayor said two- and three-hour parking limits will still be enforced.

Borough Administrator Paul Carelli estimated the revenue from meters on a Saturday is in the area of $300. 

Councilman John Kelley attended the merchants association meeting along with the mayor.

“The enforcement of the parking on the avenue has been a burden on business,” said Kelley, who discussed the possibility of giving more warnings and less summonses. 

He added, “I think the fear is developing the reputation of being a customer-unfriendly town.”

Council President Richard Hauser said he has heard different gripes from businesses that are not part of the Caldwell Merchants Association. Hauser has heard some business owners and their employees are known to park on the street and feed the meters, taking up spaces that could be used by customers.

"I think not ticketing sends the wrong message," Hauser said. 

Amy Piazza, a board member of the Caldwell Merchants Association, spoke during the public portion of the meeting. 

"We realize that this is a really generous offer," Piazza said, adding more needs to be done. 

She said some businesses, such as salons and the bridal boutique, often have customers in their shops for three hours or more. She asked how they could better accommodate their customers. 

Piazza also said debris on sidewalks and streets needs to be addressed. 

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