HILLSDALE, N.J.—The mayor said the ordinance allowing parking on only one side of Hopper Street—which borders newly renovated Memorial Field—will be enforced by the Police Department as an immediate response to a resident who criticized local officials over recurring illegal parking on the street.
At the Sept. 8 council meeting, Hopper Street homeowner Rachael Perini said she had requested permit-only parking for street residents and that Borough Administrator Michael Ghassali had promised to provide it after Memorial Field was completed.
However, she noted that the council had approved a resolution granting a waiver to serve alcohol at certain Memorial Field events and a parking waiver for high school students, but had not yet approved permit parking for Hopper Street residents.
Ghassali said officials wanted to assess the parking situation after one or two games at the new Memorial Field. He said 40 additional parking spaces will be available in the new Memorial Field parking lot. Local officials are planning a grand opening, likely in October, for the $6 million-plus project.
Ghassali also noted that police would have to enforce permit-only parking on Hopper Street and that officials preferred to review the situation after the new field opens before taking action.
Mayor Sheinfield said officials would contact local police about enforcing the current ordinance allowing parking on only one side of the street. Ghassali said officials would add more signs explaining the restriction.
“We’re going to find out real fast in a couple of games,” Sheinfield said.
Perini said Hopper Street was short and that drivers often park on both sides, speed down the street and block her driveway. She said the no-parking sign applies to her side of the street and is mostly ignored.