Moorestown Council Discusses Parking Lot Expansion, Meter Replacement

The Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) made a presentation considering the expansion of the use of parking meters as Moorestown Council considered an expansion of the parking lot across the street from the new town hall at its meeting Monday night.

A recent study of the parking meters conducted by EDAC found that the Township collects fees from meters at a rate of 50 percent less than other towns do. Multiple meters are consistently out of service, making it difficult for those parking to comply and law enforcement officials to enforce.

EDAC determined that the Township should replace its existing meters and expand its footprint. It referred to Parkeon, a global parking meter company based in Moorestown.

Options would include possibly introducing solar powered meters that accepted both coins and credit/debit cards, gives receipts, operates wirelessly and can be designed to match the Township’s historical feel.

An increased fee of 50 cents from 25 cents was also suggested, and the Township has the choice of owning or leasing the new meters.

Meters could be added to the municipal parking lot, located across the street.

EDAC made it clear that it was not necessarily suggesting the Township use Parkeon for any work involving parking meters.

During its workshop session, Moorestown Council considered expansion of that lot, located behind several stores and restaurants along Main Street and across from the new town hall.

“By reconfiguring that lot, we could pick up 42 new parking spaces,” Moorestown Mayor Chris Chiacchio said. “We set aside money in the budget for this. We wanted to wait until town hall finished.”

The project would include renovations that would fill in the pot holes and clean up the parking lot.

The increase equates to about 25 percent, and calls for alternative energy sources including an electric charging space, Councilman Greg Newcomer said.

Township Manager Scott Carew said. $75,000 was set aside in this year’s budget, and he hopes a proposal for the project can be included in next year’s budget.

EDAC also recommended improving the processes for the Planning and Zoning boards by making their documents available on the township website and making the site easier to use with new software and easier access.

The attached image was provided by Parkeon.