Dear Editor:
I was just reading your article on the HertzConnect car issue that has recently surfaced. I’m just curious as to why the city didn’t put a portion of these cars in any of the parking garages or lots? The argument keeps surfacing since they are parked on the non-resident side of the street, taking up valuable spaces for family, friends, and store visitors, but there are plenty of other viable parking options in town.
Granted, parking facilities carry a high daily/monthly fee, but with the budget surplus and the partnering revenue of a major corporation, I would think that some of these cars could’ve come to an agreement to be placed there. Not only are there lots on either end of town, but there are other lots located throughout mid-Hoboken as well (such as the self-parking garage on Garden between 9th and 10th or the facility on Jefferson between 8th and 9th). I cannot imagine all of these garages not having any vacancy rate at all. If these cars are truly for residents, at least 20 of the 42 could’ve been placed there. If Hertz wanted to be visible on the streets from a marketing perspective, they could place some in garages and some on the streets.
I’m curious what the occupancy ratio will be when the season begins to change. (Not to mention, who will clean the cars in inclement weather?) Another potential reason to place them in covered facilities.
I’ve lived in other major cities with Zipcar, and it was not uncommon to see their cars in pay-for lots, carved out in spaces near the handicapped spots. Since Hoboken is only one square mile, it should not be an inconvenience for residents to walk to any of the garages to pick up the cars.
Just curious if this has been addressed, as I’ve parked in the lots on many days on 15th Street, and the garage has been practically empty as people are not willing to spend $30/day or north of $200/month.
Laura Vaccarella