Morristown residents will have two more options for sheltering their vehicles during the coming snowstorm, which the National Weather Service says may dump 12 to 20 inches on Greater Morristown between noon Wednesday and 10 am on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020.
Residents can park free at the Headquarters Plaza garage, in addition to the Dalton, DeHart and Ann/Bank garages of the Morristown Parking Authority that Mayor Tim Dougherty had announced on Monday.
Additionally, residents of Western Avenue can park for free on the middle and lower levels of the Morris County deck behind the county courthouse, the mayor announced at Tuesday’s council meeting.
Dougherty urged Western Avenue residents to remove their cars from the street to facilitate plowing.
The free parking extends from 1 pm on Wednesday to 9 am Friday, Dec. 18, 2020. Motorists should be prepared to present their driver’s licenses as proof of residency.
A winter storm warning will be in effect from noon Wednesday until 10 am Thursday. Heavy snow, sleet and 35 mph gusts are forecast. Power outages are possible, and travel “could be very difficult to impossible,” according to the National Weather Service.
It is entirely a win/win situation. The garages have empty space that would not have been occupied by paying customers. The residents who use the garages do not have to dig their cars out and contribute to having their streets better plowed.
It is of no benefit to a town resident who lives at a distance from a garage.
I understand and see how it is a welcomed service. A few questions: Is there enough parking available and do enough people use it to make a difference with snow removal? I think it would be a nice thing for people who live near downtown, but how about farther way, such as Cutler Park?
This is a great option and has been for years, glad to see them promoting it more. I always shook my head at people digging out their car on the street as I walked to my clean car in the parking garage. I would mention to them that the garages are free, and a lot would say ‘I know’
@ Jeff – what is strange about everyone winning? Benefits I see are: we all win for clearer streets, residents don’t have to clean a foot of snow off their cars, its free parking in exchange for a 15 minute walk when garages would be otherwise empty? Thoughtful and pragmatic leadership – if anything that’s the weird part.
The Morristown Parking Authority initiated this program and it has served Morristown residents for years . They appreciate the Mayor’s efforts in letting the residents know they can get their cars off the street during storms.
We also appreciate the efforts of Morristowngreen.com to promote our efforts.
I appreciate our mayor! To have the foresight to save Morristown car owning residents without garages or driveways the frustration of having your car plowed in and frozen. This is leadership that matters.
This is kind of a weird practice. I have never heard of this anywhere else and don’t see the appeal. But that’s just me.