'Now We Have A Parking Problem': Summit Councilmember Lays Out Proposal To City Garage

SUMMIT, NJ - A public hearing is being held on Tuesday, Sept. 16 to address a proposed change to parking at a garage in the city.

On September 3, the Common Council introduced an ordinance to convert non-resident commuter parking spaces in the Broad Street garage to employee and resident permit parking. Some visitor parking on Deforest Avenue would also be changed to employee permit parking.

"The only parking problem that we've ever had in Summit is the fact that you can't find the parking spot in front of the store you want to go to," Councilmember Kevin Smallwood says. "We've never really had a parking problem, until now. Now we have a parking problem."

This adjustment is in response to the temporary closure of the upper levels of the Tier Garage on Springfield Avenue for construction after structural engineers identified water damage and surface deterioration there this summer. The lower levels are still safe and available for use. A timeline for full restoration is yet to be announced.

In Summit, all-day employee permit parking is currently available at any green bagged street meter in the city, along with in the long-term permit lots. A prepayment or daily payment through Parkmobile zone 1840 is required.

Residents looking to voice their thoughts on the proposal are invited to attend the Common Council meeting at City Hall (512 Springfield Ave.) on Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m.

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