Dear Editor:
In response to Ron Kanfi about business parking permits:
As Mayor, I appreciate your taking the time to write to me expressing your concerns about the recent increase in non-resident business parking permits, from $5 per year to $50 per year.
While your letter incorrectly implied that the rate increase was approved by myself, in fact, the Hoboken Parking Authority makes such decisions, and I understand there has been no increase in this particular permit fee for over 10 years.
Certainly, many Hoboken business owners and their employees need to park the vehicles on city streets. I understand that this increase may seem large when compared to the incredibly low fee of only $5 per year, however, taken as a whole, $50 is not a large amount to park on our streets for a year.
The City of Hoboken and the Hoboken Parking Authority are doing everything possible to create new parking for our residents and businesses. Very soon, a new automated parking facility will open at 916 Garden Street, the first of its kind in the United States. Additionally, the St Mary Parking facility at 4th and Clinton Streets will break ground soon and once completed, will provide hundreds of new parking spaces.
In closing, I agree that Hoboken companies should encourage their employees to use public transportation whenever possible. The Parking Authority decision to raise its fees for non-resident business parking permits may seem excessive; however, those funds will go towards the creation of additional parking for our residents and local businesses.
Anthony Russo
Mayor