Council May Charge Students, Commuters for Parking in Graydon Lot

Editor's note: Ridgewood schools says it does not charge students to park. The First Presbyterian Church privately charges, and parking is free on Heermance Place. This article has been updated here.

The Ridgewood Village Council moved closer Wednesday night to charging students and commuters for parking at a village-owned lot.

Three council members agreed in principle to begin charging for long-term parking passes for around 70 spaces at the Graydon south lot, bordering Veterans Field and close to Ridgewood High School.

After much discussion, Mayor Keith Killion, Deputy Mayor Tom Riche and Councilwoman Bernadette Walsh agreed to impose a parking pass in line with what the Board of Education charges for student parking.

"If it's the practice of the Board of Ed. to charge students for parking on public property, I'm inclined to think we can do it," Killion said.

Village Manger Dr. Kenneth Gabbert estimated a potential $25,000 to $30,000 revenue charging at a rate of $350 per school year, which is down from the $425 pass proposed in March 2010.

Council still thought that rate was too high at the lot near the Northern Parkway-Fairway Road intersection, and it wanted the pass to be comparable to the school district's rate, which as of last night they did not know specifics.

"I know it will cut into the revenue, Ken, but it's still something," Killion said.

In a call to Ridgewood High School this morning, it was learned that students who win passes through the lottery pay $513 for parking at the First Presbyterian Church and Heermance Place—a figure above what council proposes.

Council originally discussed the proposal earlier this year but tabled approval. Councilman Paul Aronsohn opposed the plan then, and continued his opposition last night.

"To put an additional burden on the backs of students and families... I just can't support this," he said.

No council members displayed enthusiasm toward the fee but felt the potential revenue for the village—especially considering the new 2.5 percent cap on property tax increases—justified the charge.

"I tend to lean with Paul," Killion said, "but if the price is lowered, I certainly think it within our rights to do so."

Riche and Walsh both seemed hesitant to approve a hefty fee, but were open to discussion on charging at a lower rate. 

If approved, Gabbert said police will add the lot to its enforcement route, and check the Graydon north lot for violators of posted 2-hour parking signs—something police currently aren't doing. The permit parking will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.

To notify students of the fees, Gabbert said the district would sent out letters.

Resident Boyd Loving warned council of a public backlash if it approves the measure.

"It'll be a public relations nightmare the likes of which you have never seen," he said. "You know what it's like with parking in this town: People come out in droves."

Concurring with Loving, resident Roger Wiegand said students looking for free parking will use neighborhood streets instead.

"I know if I'm a kid, and I have to come up with money, I'm going to park in a spot where it's free," he said.

Due to budget cuts, the village laid off an estimated 25 workers in July. Any savings, Gabbert said, could help save jobs.

The measure will be officially introduced at council's August 11 meeting. Though council generally accepted the proposal, no official vote can occur at a work session.