Atlantic City council advances parking-rate increases on first reading; vote 6-2

The Atlantic City Council advanced an ordinance on June 18 to raise certain parking rates on a first reading, with a 6-2 vote from members present.

The ordinance amends the city code on parking meters (chapter 243-83) to increase off-street parking rates from $1 to $1.50 per hour and to raise certain beach-block rates from $2 to $2.50 per hour. Director Finch (parking administration) told the council the change mainly adjusts existing kiosks and adds one additional street in the Huron/Golden Nugget area.

“It's just taking the existing kiosks and increasing from a dollar to a dollar 50 or $2 to $2.50 throughout the area,” Director Finch said during the first-reading discussion.

Why it matters: The change would raise parking revenue citywide in targeted locations and affect visitors and local drivers, especially in high-demand beach blocks.

Council debate included concerns that higher parking fees might deter foot traffic to businesses. One council member asked the administration to compare prices charged by private lots — noting examples of much higher hourly rates in other resort areas — and staff said they would review local private-lot pricing before second reading.

The ordinance passed first reading with six votes in favor and two opposed. Council members who voted against cited concerns about discouraging visitors and local shoppers; supporters said the changes align city rates with demand and were limited in scope. The council did not set a final effective date; the ordinance will proceed to second reading and public notice as required by city rules.