Parking Authority proposes $2 premium zone for high‑demand downtown spaces

The Morristown Parking Authority told the council on April 24 it is considering a targeted premium on‑street zone to increase turnover on the town's most-used blocks. Carrie Lloyd, the Authority board president, and parking consultants described a plan that would reclassify roughly 214 of 710 on‑street meters as Class A 'premium' spaces and raise their rate from $1 to $2 per hour.

Presenters said the change aims to reduce 'meter‑feeding'—drivers renewing a meter all day—by creating a stronger price incentive to use off‑street garages and free up curbside space for short visits. The Authority reported observational sampling on South Street that found about 25% of meters were over‑extended on sample days, resulting in an estimated loss of roughly 150 parking sessions per day.

The Authority outlined complementary programs including prepaid discounts in garages, an employee debit program, and an after‑hours reduced rate, and said it is transitioning to new permit management technology. Officials said they are currently unable to enroll new permit-holders while they complete the system transition but expect to be able to do so within a few months.

On enforcement, presenters said state ticketing procedures require officers to observe and record license information for blocks (a digital 'chalking' process), which makes catching over‑extension time-consuming. Councilmembers asked the Authority to coordinate outreach with business groups and the Morristown Partnership before bringing a final ordinance back for a vote.

Next step: presenters said they will continue outreach and return to council with more detail, including confirmed timing for permit‑system transition and enforcement plans.