By DONALD WITTKOWSKI
Sea Isle City’s parking kiosks have disappeared. Poof. Gone.
But before any wild celebrations break out among everyone who hates paying for parking, take a closer look.
All 49 kiosks scattered around town are actually covered up for now.
They are draped with a heavy fabric material that will protect them from winter’s harsh weather.
But the navy blue covers will come off when the kiosks emerge from their winter hibernation for the start of parking fees again on May 15.
This is the first year Sea Isle has covered up the kiosks for the off-season. The cost for the covers was $6,570.
Police Chief Tom McQuillen explained that not only will the covers protect the kiosks from severe weather, they are also a reminder that parking fees are not in effect during the off-season months.
“Rather than causing people frustration or wasting their time, this is a clear sign that the kiosks and parking meters are no longer in effect,” he said.
Sea Isle’s parking fees run from May 15 to Labor Day, coinciding with the summer tourism season. Rates are 25 cents for each 15 minutes, or $1 per hour.
The city stops charging for parking after Labor Day as a money-saving perk for residents and visitors who are still in town after the bustling summer vacation season gives way to the quieter autumn months. Moreover, beach tags are no longer required after the holiday.
McQuillen said Mayor Leonard Desiderio got the idea last winter of having the city look into the possibility of covering the kiosks during the off-season.
A test was conducted last winter of one kiosk cover and proved successful, so the program was expanded throughout town, McQuillen said.
Now, with all of the kiosks covered up, no one will mistakenly think they have to pay for parking after Labor Day. The city’s parking meters are also inactive during the off-season.
The city also lets the public know that parking is free after the holiday by posting information on its website and in the Sea Isle Visitors Guide next to the fold-out map.
Last year, someone attached a handwritten sign on a then-uncovered parking kiosk on the beach block of John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
“No Charge After Labor Day!” it declared in big black letters punctuated with an exclamation mark for extra emphasis.
