After meeting with the Traffic Bureau on Monday, City Administrator and Redevelopment Director Peter Pelissier said areas around downtown have been identified to restore some parking spaces lost after two-way traffic was established. He estimated between 20 and 30 spaces might return and it would happen as soon as signage and striping can be completed, which he said could be a couple of weeks. About 40 spaces were lost initially.
Some of the parking
spaces to be restored include two to three spots on East Milton just under the train tracks and on Main Street opposite the retail stores, where one owner said his business has dropped off by as much as 50 percent since on-street parking was eliminated.
In an interview after last week’s City Council pre-meeting conference, Pelissier also mentioned other long-term possibilities to address downtown parking: something on Coach Street to accommodate the arts center, and the corner of Elizabeth Avenue and Main Street, which currently houses a construction trailer for the Park Square project.
Changes in the Parking Authority’s rates that took effect Aug. 1 include the first 30 minutes free in the Main Street deck.
Anyone been to the Original Nile restaurant yet behind Main Street where BackPorch used to be? I see people go in there sometimes but it doesn’t really look open to the public. Yet, I see they are included on the Rahway Parking Deck signs that say “Park Here For…” Last we heard here they were shooting for a July 1 opening. Seems like the whole summer will go by and no one is going to enjoy using that deck. Though I am sure the River Place residents are just as happy not to hear the noise from there at night.
That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.