Free Parking Lots Growing in Lakewood
Lakewood Township merchants and the public are invited to the official opening of the first of three municipal parking lots, Third Street between Clifton Avenue and Route 9, Friday, September 23, 2011 at 10:0 a.m.
For years Lakewood merchants and their patrons have been clamoring for more parking downtown, especially considering Lakewood’s growing population. In 2007, the Lakewood UEZ began to identify properties on Second, Third, and Fifth streets that could be converted to parking lots. The Lakewood Development Corporation (LDC) the administrative arm of the UEZ, began to acquire those properties with a plan to construct new parking lots.
The Third Street parking lot is the first to be completed. It adjoins the municipal lot on Fourth Street, and allows shoppers to enter on Fourth Street and exit on Third Street.
According to Patricia Komsa, executive director of the LDC and coordinator of the UEZ, the LDC has purchased property on Second Street and is negotiating for additional property in that area to create a contiguous set of parking lots from Fourth to First streets.
Komsa says, “The design for a lot on Fifth Street is already underway. The LDC hopes to begin demolition of structures on Fifth Street in October in order to move ahead with plans for the new lot. This lot will allow access directly to Clifton Avenue via a pedestrian walkway.
“Businesses backing up to the new lot have already begun to establish convenient rear entrances for customers. Tips and Toque, a baking and kitchen gadget boutique, is a UEZ business who is ready to take advantage of the new lot.”
Because parking has a direct impact on the economic development of the downtown, the UEZ has taken the lead to increase parking. The advantages range from encouraging businesses to stay or locate in the downtown to encouraging people
to shop, stroll and eat in the downtown.
Komsa says, “There are not many municipalities that can brag that they have a ‘real downtown.’ We do. We need to encourage economic growth and job creation in order to sustain our downtown and our community at large.”
For more information, contact Patricia Komsa at 732-364-2500 Ext 5257.
About the UEZ: The Urban Enterprise Zone program was designed to foster economic growth to revitalize and stimulate designated urban communities. The program encourages businesses to create private-sector jobs though public and private investment. More than 8,000 businesses throughout the state and more than 480 businesses in Lakewood benefit from tax and financial incentives. Personnel from the Lakewood UEZ are available to discuss program eligibility and answer questions.