Parking Guidance System Approved at Garden State Plaza

Shoppers at will be able to see how many spots are available in one of the mall's parking garages and where, after the Planning Board approved plans for a parking guidance system Thursday.

One of the mall's parking garages will have a sign telling shoppers how many spots are available at each level within.

Inside, cameras above every other parking space will be able to tell whether a spot is occupied. If a spot is free, a green light will go on above the space. A red light will go on if the space is occupied.

Civil engineer William Page said the system will improve the traffic flow at the mall, since drivers will know exactly which level to go, or whether to even enter the garage if it's full.

The board also approved the mall's plans to straighten out the ring road surrounding Garden State Plaza. Currently, the ring road has an inward kink between and .

Page said straightening the road would improve safety in that area and give Capital Grille more space for valet parking.

The mall's plans for improvements to three of its entrances also received approval. The mall plans new signs and lighting for the entrances between the and Legal Seafood, Legal Seafood and , and Capital Grille and Old Navy.