Judge Considers Seaside’s Reserved Parking Plan

A judge is considering whether Seaside Heights can continue to sell reserved parking spaces to homeowners and businesses.The Jersey shore town has allowed property owners to pay $500 annually for a metered space or $250 a year for a nonmetered space in front of their lots since 2006.

Klee's Bar & Grill filed suit, saying there were so many reserved spaces around the business that patrons had difficulty finding a place to park. A judge is expected to rule by mid-September.

The Asbury Park Press reports attorney Jay Curry on Thursday argued the program violates the public trust because the town receives state money for the roads.

The town says people can still use the road, they just can't park in reserved spots.

The town leased about 450 of more than 3,000 public parking spaces in 2012.

To some in the community, it's a major and emotional issue.

Some people who rent a home for a week say they're forced to make long walks to get there; some homeowners say that without the reserved spots, they might not be able to go anywhere on busy weekends and expect a decent spot when they return.

William Smolen, who bought a home in town in 1976, fears losing his reserved space.

"If this is the final result, I would think I should try and sell my house before it gets worse," he said.