WESTWOOD, N.J.—Residents aged 70 and older can buy a $20 hangtag that lets them park in any borough space designated for hourly parking without feeding a meter or using an app. Council President Lauren Letizia said a single $20 payment now covers the rest of 2026 and all of 2027.
Councilwoman Cheryl Hodges, the borough’s parking utility liaison, said the idea grew out of discussions about modernizing parking payments. Westwood is considering a cashless system, she said, but has no immediate plans to adopt one.
“When paying cash for parking, it is 25 cents for up to an hour,” Hodges said. At that rate, the permit costs the same as 80 quarter payments. A driver who puts a quarter in the meter for each visit would break even on the 80th visit, even if some stops last only a few minutes. Drivers who buy the hangtag must still observe the time limit on the meter or lot sign.
The age cutoff drew questions after Letizia announced the program. Denise Cillo Egan asked why eligibility begins at 70 rather than 65. Hodges said the Parking Utility Advisory Board recommended age 70 and the council approved it. She did not give a reason for choosing that age. The advisory board’s May 26 meeting minutes record its recommendation to the mayor and council.
Residents must sign a waiver when the permit is issued and display the hangtag when parking. Anyone who transfers a permit to another person loses the privilege for three years. Residents can apply through the borough website or call the Parking Utility at 201-664-7100, ext. 121.