Saddle Brook police propose resident hang‑tag permits to restrict Lyster Avenue parking

Town police on June 18 proposed an ordinance to restrict parking on Lyster Avenue to residents using an annual hang‑tag permit, Lieutenant Buchek told the council.

"This would allow us to maintain up‑to‑date records with any vehicles that should be parked there," Lieutenant Buchek said as he described a system in which residents would apply annually, provide a driver's license showing the Lyster Avenue address and vehicle registration, and receive a numbered hang tag tied to a license plate for enforcement. Visitor passes would be allotted for contractors, caregivers or overnight guests.

Captain Jeppi Calfano and Lieutenant Buchek recommended numbering each hang tag and using a color scheme for the year to simplify enforcement. They said annual renewal would help ensure records remain current and that if a resident obtained a new vehicle mid‑year they would submit a new application for the replacement hang tag.

Councilmembers and residents asked whether the program would include a per‑household or per‑vehicle fee. Police said most surrounding towns charge an administrative or permit fee, but the physical cost of producing hang tags is low. Council and police agreed the town attorney and police should refine ordinance language and implementation details; police said an ordinance could be ready for introduction at the July 16 meeting.

Residents who spoke during public comment urged including corner houses whose postal address is Erie but whose driveways front on Lyster, and recommended weekday hours rather than weekend restrictions. Police and council agreed to refine time windows and the number of posted signs to avoid over‑signing the block.

Next steps: police will provide proposed ordinance text, a projected hang‑tag cost estimate, and recommended resident‑only hours to legal staff and the mayor in advance of the July work session.