Dear Editor:
Are you a “resident” of Hoboken, or not? According to the city, it depends whether you are trying to get a parking permit, or paying your property taxes.
The city recently changed its parking permit policy regarding who is, and who is not, considered a “resident” in order to crack down on the obvious abuse by non-residents who work in the city and take mass transportation into the city, and others (which I am all for). But in doing so, the city is unfairly penalizing citizens who DO live here, but who also have residence in another state, and chose to register their vehicles in that other state, in order to save money on car insurance. It’s called “dual-residency.” Sure, the money I’m saving could easily pay for off-street parking, but I shouldn’t be forced to do something other “residents” are entitled to, just because I am making a wise, personal financial decision during pretty tough economic times.
I have always paid for a yearly parking permit, despite leaving the vehicle in that other state for most of the year. I usually only bring it here when it needs repairs or if I need it for the time I am here, usually not more than a few months out of the year. Granted, this does not make me a “full-time” resident, but when I do come “home,” I reside in Hoboken, in the same home I have lived in for 15 years. As such, when I am here, I should be entitled to the same rights and privileges as all other “residents.”
As a compromise, the city is allowing us the “privilege” to park by purchasing “temporary parking permits,” at $1 per day, for up to 45 days, while “residents” can pay $15 for the year.
When it comes to collecting property taxes, there is no stipulation for “full” or “part-time” residents. You pay taxes annually, whether or not you are around to use any municipal services. With trash alone, I am sure the city is saving hundreds of dollars, when I am gone. Are “part-time” or “temporary” residents entitled to money back for the time they are not here, and not utilizing municipal services? No. All property owners must pay annual taxes, regardless.
So, the city’s definition of “resident” is clearly not equal to all and discriminatory, with regard to being taxed, or being allowed to obtain a “resident” parking permit.
If am here for, say, three months out of the year, I will wind up paying more than $90 in temporary parking permits, and I’m usually good for about two or three tickets for “street sweeping” a month, or about $90 to $135 a month. That’s $180 or $235 dollars a year the city will no longer get from me because at that point, it’s cheaper to just pay for a spot. Better yet, I’ll probably just leave the car, next time I go, so there will be no money spent here. No gas or oil changes spent locally. No car washes. No repairs. No headaches.
I really question the fairness of this ordinance, but there’s also the question of lost revenue to the city and city-owned business, at a time when every dollar counts. How many dual-residents are there in this town? Are we really abusing the system, by living somewhere else part of the year, and for being smart with our money?
Respectfully,
A long-time RESIDENT, who’s had enough