In front of the OG Post Office on Nov. 8, 2014. It was just he and I; and we were both gone within 5 minutes. Blogfinger photo.
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger
I always say that small talk in a small town is big talk. And so it is regarding our recent debate (post office link ) about parking in front of the Post Office branch in Ocean Grove on Main Avenue. At that location is a 45 foot long “no parking” area extending from the corner of Pilgrim Pathway east along the north side of Main.
The Traffic Officer told us that the space was just for buses. Joe, a citizen commenter, said that the space is for trucks that are servicing businesses around there. Another person said that he got a ticket for pulling his car in to drop off a package at the Post Office. I, for one, sometimes pull in there for about 10 minutes or so to drop something at the PO. I’ve not seen any congestion because of that, but Joe claims that it causes trucks to double park and thus leads to traffic jams for car drivers.
Today we heard from the Traffic Officer who said that he discussed the issue with Rich Cuttrell, Township Clerk. We also spoke to Mr. Cuttrell. It seems that the definition of parking is when you turn off your engine and lock your vehicle. A parked vehicle will be ticketed.
Buses tend to idle, so they are not parked, and trucks are not considered parked if they are loading or unloading “goods and materials.” As for cars, they will not be ticketed if they leave their car running and unlocked. If they do that, the Officer assured me that no ticket will be written.
If you look at the signs, they say “no parking,” “loading zone” and “drop off.” Nowhere do the signs say “car/post office , or truck or bus.” So it seems to me, according to that signage, that any of those categories should be able to pull in to do the temporary task they have in mind as long as they are not “parked.” Mr. Cuttrell agrees that the signage and the ordinance are a bit murky, although he believes that the ordinance was not intended to allow car parking there.
I think that this is an important issue, not only for the convenience of Grovers going into the post office, but for the survival of that beloved historic post office branch. If it is not possible for a car to pull in there to do some post office business, then some people will prefer to drive elsewhere such as Bradley Beach , Ocean or Asbury to do their post office business, and then, eventually, the post office, already limited in its scope, will be closed for lack of business.
THE CYRKLE:
THE CYRCLE
“…Mr. Cuttrell agrees that the signage and the ordinance are a bit murky…”
Sort of sums up Neptune Township and the sloppy way it passes ordinances. It’s always murky and confusing—-just saying.
I personally think Blogfinger is onto something when he says in the last paragraph “…eventually, the post office, already limited in its scope, will be closed for lack of business.”
Maxster: I actually enjoy sarcasm as an interesting way to bitingly communicate and even to inject humor, but on a blog, the tone of voice is missing, and sarcasm can seem cruel. On BF we try to follow the Elvis Doctrine, “Don’t be cruel.”
Yes there is one handicapped spot at the eastern end of that 45 foot journey.
Today, I pulled into the zone in question. It was empty, and I sat there idling while Eileen went into the PO (5 minutes max, Max). Another guy pulled in with a long black Caddy. He got out, went into the PO, and was gone within 3 minutes. I don’t know if he turned off his engine. As I sat there, I wondered what I would say to Officer Krupke if he showed up to give me a ticket.
I don’t see why such small issues need to be so complicated. As Maxster says, just put up one sign which says “20 min parking for buses, trucks and PO patrons.” I bet most people would find a way to make those 45 feet work without problems. If some jerk parks his car and doesn’t move it, then a ticket should be issued.
This discussion illustrates how tough it is to govern in a democratic society that has so many rules; even over a relatively trivial matter in a small town. Wait till the snow emergency parking issues take center stage.
As for a burden on the police? Let’s trust each other to be fair. Law enforcement has plenty to do without worrying about a little old lady mailing a letter.
–Paul
Sorry Paul, did not mean to be sarcastic on this one. I was just trying to illustrate the absurdity, and I am guessing you got that. Thanks.
Susanheney – you are right on the disability angle with minor exceptions.
Correct me if I am wrong, but isn’t there at least one disabled spot there?
And, just to clarify, you don’t purchase such placards, you need a doctor to complete a form. They are harder and harder to get though, so your comment about Seniors “walking a block” for those that can’t get them is “spot on.”
My guess is that a substantial attendance by Grovers at the next Committee meeting to urge a resolution changing this spot might be in order. I believe a “20 Minute” Parking Sign would work.
A couple evenings ago, I drove by this discussed parking area to see for myself. An officer in his patrol car, who was heading east slowed his car and looked at me as I pulled into the space to see the sign. Of course! I immediately pulled out of spot when he saw me. I felt there was no doubt that he would have ticketed me if I had parked.
So I circled around and parked half a block away to mail one letter. I want to support the post office there; not see it close. This new limited area is ridiculous in my opinion. What of seniors and disabled, without ability to purchase a disabled parking tag; or who are not able to walk a block by themselves? I am a longtime resident of this area.
Hey, don’t kill the messenger. We usually delete sarcasm, but we will make an exception for The Maxster.
You don’t have to take a chance, or maybe another solution could be found, but I doubt that anyone at the Mother Ship will try.
After we posted our article, the Traffic Officer sent an email and said, “A lot of this will be up to my officers’ judgment when they see a vehicle parked there. Each case will be on a case to case basis.”
But Officer Krupke, if the vehicle is indeed parked, then it is ticket time. Right?
So, if we leave our car running and unlocked; we expose ourselves to it being stolen from nefarious people? Great. Let’s advertise it so that they can hang out and watch for vulnerable people.