Montclair Parking Update: Meter Replacement Marches On

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair residents can expect a different landscape in 2022 when it comes to parking. But in the meanwhile, an effort to replace and upgrade meters throughout the township marches on, officials say.

Last week, Montclair Director of Utilities Gary Obszarny and Parking Utility Superintendent Emanuel Germano offered an update about a plan to “ease the parking challenges in town” – including a glut of broken meters.

• See related article: Montclair Town Council On Parking Meter Woes: 'We Hear You'
• See related article: What's Up With Montclair Parking Meters? Councilman Gives Update

According to a statement from Montclair township officials, here are the latest developments:

“As a solution to Verizon arbitrarily switching off 2G cellular services in some areas of town before the December 2022 scheduled shutoff date, the township has already reconditioned and upgraded 184 meters to 4G. Additionally, another 204 meters are currently in San Diego with our parking meter vendor IPS Group to be reconditioned. The township is also installing 10 pay stations at the municipal surface lots: Grove Street, Maple Plaza, Valley Road and South End. The Bellevue Lot pay stations have already been installed and will be placed online at the conclusion of the holiday free parking period.”

Montclair officials continued:

“Given the actions to date, the township should see full meter and pay station functionality as we begin the new year. But further, the township will continue with its plan to install the 10 pay stations at the above lots and send the 219 meters currently located there for 4G upgrade. This will allow for ample redundancy for our meters into the future. The meters and pay stations will all accept payment by coin, credit card or the ParkMobile parking app. For added convenience, in addition to ParkMobile, the pay stations will also accept the Flowbird parking app.”

Mayor Sean Spiller said the township is “aggressively” addressing the metered parking situation to ensure that residents, visitors and business owners have a positive experience.

“The new pay stations, choice of payment method and upgraded meters will certainly be a benefit for anyone who lives, works or shops in Montclair,” Spiller said.

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