In a recent government meeting, officials addressed growing parking concerns in Millville, particularly along Ross Avenue, Dortage, and Novak streets. The discussions were prompted by complaints from local businesses and residents about restrictive parking mandates and the increasing difficulty of finding adequate parking spaces.

Council members highlighted the need for a comprehensive parking study to assess the situation more accurately. This study is planned for next year and aims to gather data during peak business hours to better understand parking dynamics in the area. The study will consider both residential and commercial perspectives, allowing for a more holistic approach to potential solutions.

Public Works has proposed three options to alleviate parking issues: implementing signage, re-striping, or converting certain streets to one-way traffic to facilitate enforcement. However, council members emphasized the importance of community input and the need to balance the interests of residents and businesses.

Concerns were raised about the safety of pedestrians, particularly in areas lacking sidewalks, which complicates access to parking. Council members expressed a desire to explore different parking ratios based on square footage rather than seating capacity, as this could provide a more stable framework for managing parking requirements.

The council is considering delaying any immediate changes until the results of the parking study are available, allowing for a more informed discussion on potential regulations. This approach aims to streamline efforts and avoid overwhelming staff, who are currently focused on completing the comprehensive plan and updating development regulations.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgency of addressing parking challenges in Millville while ensuring that the needs of both residents and businesses are met.