By Paul Goldfinger, MD, Blogfinger.net

Really?

This headline  in the 11/13 Coaster tries to lead their readers into their confusing piece about a “Proposed First Draft” regarding “paid parking”  in Ocean Grove that was discussed at the  11/10/25 Neptune Township Committee meeting

We were not at that meeting, but the Coaster was. They tell us that Ocean Grove residents who were at the meeting were “opposed to paid parking.”

Well aside from the proposal designed  by the Township Clerk William Bray, one gets the impression that all Grovers are opposed to paid parking . But that’s not true.

Blogfinger.net has  consistently supported the idea of paid parking in the downtown district to help businesses and along Ocean Avenue where parking abuses are prevalent.  However our main support has been for permits, bt that has been defeated in the past.

The presentation was confusing as the Clerk described his plan as only a “Proposed First Draft,”  a “framework that overlays the described ordinance.”

One Grover who was present evidently said, according to the Coaster,  that “social media are creating major panic in the Grove.”

This is absurd. I guess he is referring to petty, ignorant and loud-mouthed comments found on OG Facebook groups and Next-Door.  And even there where is the panic and anger?

We have posted a BF article (re-post below)  on this topic from 15 years ago, so this is not a new issue. And the comments are still applicable.

Another Grover at the meeting was worried that the plan would  “pick winners and losers.”

Mayor Lane is quoted as saying that he does not support the ordinance as currently presented.

Clerk Bray encouraged Grovers to take part in the process which is akin to “making sausage.”     But if you want sausage in the Grove go to one of those mega-events where you can get a sausage sandwich for $10.00

And, for good measure, here is a BF post from 6 years ago where Michael  Badger, CMA President, has something to say about parking in the Grove:

CMA on parking

DUCHESS: