Fines Will Double In Montclair ‘Special Parking Zone’

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Parking violation fines are about to take a big jump in some downtown areas of Montclair, and municipal officials hope that it will help to relieve chronic parking shortages.

During the Montclair Town Council meeting on Tuesday, the mayor and council unanimously approved an ordinance that will create a “special parking zone” in certain parts of the downtown area.

Under the new code, violations in the affected zone will double from $30 to $60, with a maximum fine of $500. The special parking zone is located mainly in the town’s third ward, Montclair Local reported.

The special zone will include public parking lots and streets within the following areas:

• South Fullerton Avenue from Hawthorne Place to Bloomfield Avenue
• Gates Avenue from Bloomfield Avenue to Hawthorne Place
• Claremont Avenue from North Fullerton Avenue to Greenwood Avenue
• Hawthorne Avenue from Gates to South Fullerton Avenue
• North Fullerton Avenue from Bloomfield Avenue to Claremont Avenue
• Greenwood Avenue from Claremont Avenue to Israel Crane Way
• Israel Crane Way from Greenwood Avenue to Bloomfield Avenue

According to the ordinance passed on Nov. 27:

“The Township of Montclair has been experiencing increased traffic and commercial activity in certain downtown areas, which together with the construction of major redevelopment projects and street closures has created parking shortages for residents.

“These redevelopment projects have resulted in the closing of two municipal parking lots, which further reduces the supply of parking spaces available to the residents until construction of new parking decks is completed.

“Parking difficulties for residents are being exacerbated by the proliferation of illegal and overtime parking both day and night, and particularly at times when there are shows and other well-attended events in the area.

“The Township Council finds that it is in the best interest of Montclair residents to strictly enforce parking regulations and to increase the penalties for violations in order to deter illegal parking.”

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