Downtown Freehold Business Owners Aim To Ease Parking Frustrations

FREEHOLD BOROUGH, NJ — Local business owners are stepping in to help ease the parking dilemma in Downtown Freehold by offering free valet services, information on free parking locations and even covering the cost of parking for patrons.

These efforts are designed to prevent what some see as a drop in downtown business due to paid parking regulations, which have changed multiple times since being enacted in Sept. 2023.

Freehold Borough first implemented a paid parking plan in the fall of 2023 following a professional study. Like many towns with historic downtown districts, the Borough has long grappled with parking issues in the area.

Though officials intended to identify parking solutions and allow visitors ample time to shop or dine while limiting extended parking, the Borough has tweaked its plan several times since its implementation — something business owners said is confusing patrons.

“We’re asking our customers to remain patient as the Borough works through the issue,” Rob Kash, the owner of Metropolitan Café and the American Hotel, said.

Though he appreciates Borough officials’ efforts to improve downtown parking, Kash said customers are finding the current regulations “frustrating and confusing,” and that the regulations are affecting business as well.

“We want our customers to know we miss them,” Kash said.

As Borough officials continue to work through the issue, Kash wants downtown visitors to know that free parking is always available at the Hall of Records lot across the street from Metropolitan Cafe, the American Hotel, Federici’s and Court Jester restaurants.

To ease frustrations, Kash and other restauranteurs have implemented a free valet service. Some will even deduct parking fees from the checks of diners who opt for paid parking.

“We are grateful to the town officials who took our concerns seriously and were willing to give us some relief,” Kash said. “But several changes to the days and times for paid parking since it came into effect last fall have caused confusion and frustration for our customers. And we hope our customers make Downtown Freehold their favorite local dining destination once again.”

For customers who are confused or frustrated by parking regulations, Kash has offered the following solutions:

• Familiarize yourself with where free parking lots are located and the days/times that paid parking is in effect
• Visit the Freehold Borough website and look for the Parking Utility page or call 732-462-4200 x 234 to use our complimentary valet parking

For those who park in paid areas, Kash said they will deduct the cost of parking from customers' dinner checks.

Paid parking hours at the Market Yard and McGackin lots are only Thursday–Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Otherwise, those lots are free.

Paid parking on Main Street is seven days per week.

“Please give the Downtown Freehold restaurants and businesses a chance,” Kash said. “We are here to serve you and are diligently working to find the best parking solutions.”