PHOTOS: For years Lakewood merchants and their patrons have been clamoring for more parking downtown, especially considering Lakewood’s growing population. The problem is slowly being solved with the newly added parking lots downtown.
Crew today began putting the finishing touches on one of those lots, located on 5th Street, just off Clifton Avenue.
In 2007, the Lakewood UEZ began to identify properties on Second, Third, and Fifth streets that could be converted to parking lots. The Lakewood Development Corporation (LDC) the administrative arm of the UEZ, began to acquire those properties with a plan to construct new parking lots.
The Third Street parking lot was the first to be completed. It adjoins the municipal lot on Fourth Street, and allows shoppers to enter on Fourth Street and exit on Third Street.
This 5th Street parkin glot will allow access directly to Clifton Avenue via a pedestrian walkway.
Because parking has a direct impact on the economic development of the downtown, the UEZ has taken the lead to increase parking. The advantages range from encouraging businesses to stay or locate in the downtown to encouraging people to shop, stroll and eat in the downtown.
Patricia Komsa, executive director of the LDC and coordinator of the UEZ previously said, “There are not many municipalities that can brag that they have a ‘real downtown.’ We do. We need to encourage economic growth and job creation in order to sustain our downtown and our community at large.” TLS.
the more parking spots the happier lakewood should be.
The stories on tls are poorly written and lacking information a new parking lot on 5th st where on 5th between what and what?
It clearly says 5th just off of clifton what dont u understand
People do not avoid town because of lack of parking – it is because of the scariness of the elements there – the only day that there is any parking usage is thursday/friday – the rest of the week it is EMPTY!
looks like were Classy Cleaners was
I think the main problem is….there aren’t enough PEDESTRIAN SIGNS…on Clifton Ave…
It looks like right next door to falafel and chips
What is so bad about the elements? Never heard of any trouble on clifton ave I think its a safe place if the ‘element don’t look or talk like you does not make them scary or bad !
its near bp graphics
Thank you to the UEZ for being so creative and forward thinking. Who could have ever come up with such a great idea? How many spaces did we gain on 5th street and what was the total cost?
I have to agree with Yakov (#8) here. Dont hear to much about problems on Clifton and in 40 some odd years I have never had a problem night or day. I also never had a parking problem either. This seems more of a way to clear empty lots.
I agree with the comment that there is plenty of parking. Worst case scenario, you have to walk a block or two. Go to brooklyn and try to find a spot.
Mr. Mayor the town has plenty of parking on 2nd street yet we still allow Illegal workers to hang out there. I am afraid to park there because the amount of men who linger in the lot. This town endorses the use of day labor and it needs to stop. People don’t shop downtown, they double park along Clifton and run into stores and nothing is done. will people hang out at the new lot also. People will return to shopping once the labors are gone.
Now ill go to falafal n chips ALL the time its right next to the new parking really good food great service and amazing prices! Mr eisenberg(owner) is a great guy!
Perhaps you are brave, but i am extremely uncomfortable and will not go to Clifton Ave with people gathered at corners in a lurking fashion. They look scary to me, and like they are up to no good. I would appreciate very much, if there was protection around.
#12 Why are we always comparing everything to brooklyn?