Parking Could Be Free for the Month of December

The city council — which currently only has eight members — was scheduled to vote on Wednesday night to suspend parking for the entire month of December.

First Ward Councilowman Theresa Castellano together with Third Ward Councilman Michael Russo are sponsoring a resolution that calls for free parking in Hoboken for the entire month of December.

"Traditionally, the City provides free holiday parking in the weeks prior to Christmas, but the councilmembers believe the gesture should be extended for the entire month in response to superstorm Sandy in October," according to a press release sent out by Castellano.

Castellano, who owns City Discount on Washington Street, said in her statement "that Small Business Saturday failed to generate increased citywide consumer spending, in part, due to the closure of the Hoboken PATH station."

With the PATH station in Hoboken still out for several weeks, it might be difficult for out-of-towners to come to Hoboken to shop.

“We need to get the message out that Hoboken is open for
business. Our business owners have worked hard for the past month and this is a way to reward their efforts and perseverance," Russo said. "Our unique shops and restaurants are the economic backbone of our community."