Dover Residents To Be Consulted On Parking Meters

New advisory committee to study impact on community and businesses.

Dover Mayor James P. Dodd started Tuesday's town council meeting by tabling the parking-meter ordinance that has dominated discussion for weeks and then announced the formation of a parking advisory committee, appointing resident Jason De Jesus as well as council members Sandra Wittner, Daniella Mendez, and Christopher Almada, to study the issue.

He urged a quick resolution, to bring revenue to the town and to offset the million-dollar price tag for the newly installed meters around the downtown area.

"I've said this a million times," he said. "If anyone from the public or this council can figure out how to raise $1 million in annual revenue, I'm all ears."

Council member Daniella Mendez said, "The parking meter ordinance being tabled is a double edged sword. The new committee will have an opportunity to listen to the community(something that should have been done from the beginning) when drafting an updated ordinance. But it continues to cause confusion when it comes to enforcement. The administration has failed at communicating to the public.

I am looking forward to hosting listening sessions on parking in Dover along with my colleagues Sandra Wittner, Chris Almada, and resident Jason DeJesus. My hope is we can come up with a balanced plan that works for most. The reality is the meters are here to stay. But we need to find a way to make them less of a burden on residents and business owners. "

Mayor Dodd recognized Dover and town planner Alex Daugherty for receiving an Achievement in Planning Award from the New Jersey Planning Officials for the 640-unit Bassett Highway Redevelopment Project.

In other issues before the council, parking, traffic, and environmental issues dominated the redevelopment of various projects:

BAKER MANSION REDEVELOPMENT

Jean Bishop DeMark, great-granddaughter of William H. Baker, and daughter of the 95-year-old daughter of Henry O. Baker, spoke for herself and her mother in support of the redevelopment project involving the 120-year-old mansion and surrounding lot, which was voted down in the second reading at the last council meeting.

"We both support the project. The Baker Mansion is more than an old building. It represents an important part of Dover's history and a legacy of a man who helped shape the town through his vision... We believe the developer has gone above and beyond to retain the integrity of the mansion while planning for its future... it is our belief that, without responsible development, we will lose the Baker Mansion altogether. Once it's gone, a piece of Dover's history is gone forever."

A handful of residents shared their views, alternately pro or con, but all agreed that the restoration of Baker Mansion be a priority. Dover Planner Alex Daugherty and planning consultant John McDonough introduced the developers and discussed revisions before the council members as a first reading of the new ordinance.

VOTE: Approved, 5-4

HARRY LOORY SITE

The presentation, for a second reading before the council, by planning consultant John McDonough, said it would include five three-bedroom townhouses, available for purchase, and 136 apartments in a six-story structure. A scarcity of accompanying parking spots, two levels below four stories of apartments, drew more criticism. It will likely involve a PILOT program.

VOTE: Approved, 5-4

WARREN & W. BLACKWELL SITE

The presentation, also for a second reading before the council, by planning consultant John McDonough, is for the lot at Warren and W. Blackwell Streets, vacant since the tragic fire there, for a 28-unit apartment complex that will include no additional parking spots. While residents criticized the plan, they were reminded by Mayor Dodd that more than 100 people once lived in the block-square property.

VOTE: Approved, 5-4