Edison, NJ – March 3, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Reacting to Point Pleasant Beach’s proposal to increase parking fees and restrict free parking permits for permanent and seasonal residents, New Jersey Association of REALTORS® (NJAR®) Executive Vice President Jarrod C. Grasso, RCE issued the following statement: “In a community such as Point Pleasant Beach, increasing parking fees and limiting the number of free parking permits for permanent and seasonal residents will have a negative impact on both property owners and vacationers. It’s baffling as to why a town that thrives off of tourism would pursue a proposal that makes it more expensive for families to vacation there. In this economy when many people are looking to scale back their travel plans, Point Pleasant Beach should look to position itself as an affordable family-friendly vacation destination.”
“Travel and tourism remains a driving force in New Jersey’s economy. In fact, Point Pleasant Beach is one of the premiere family destinations in the state and its tourism industry has a significant effect on the local economy. While NJAR® empathizes with Point Pleasant Beach’s budget constraints, now is not the time to levy higher parking fees and reduce parking options for its residents. Rather, borough officials should enact policies aimed at boosting tourism which will generate income for local businesses and in turn create more revenue for the town itself.”
The New Jersey Association of REALTORS®, with approximately 53,000 REALTOR® and REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® members, is one of the largest trade organizations in the state. NJAR®‘s membership is comprised of real estate professionals who subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics and are members of the national and local REALTOR® organizations. As the leading advocate for the real estate industry and private property rights in New Jersey, NJAR® is committed to protecting the dream of homeownership. For more information, please visit www.njar.com.
For media inquiries contact:
Lauren Castellano
Media Coordinator
Phone: (732) 494-4709
Fax: (732) 404-8130
E-mail: lcastellano (at) njar (dot) com
For legislative related media inquiries contact:
Danielle Alpert
Government Relations Coordinator
Phone: (732) 494-4730
Fax: (732) 404-8127
E-mail: dalpert (at) njar (dot) com
