Town council has protected quality of life for Aberdeen

The parking problems occurring in Aberdeen are a direct result of the commuter parkers’ misconception that they can park where they want and when they want. Having attended the Aberdeen Town Council’s meeting July 2, it was clearly stated 70 percent of these noisy and self-centered parkers do not live in Aberdeen.

In addition, these out-of-town commuters spend little of their time and money in Aberdeen. They race in and out of town on their daily journey from home and work. At 5:15 a.m., five days a week, I have to hear the car doors slam and alarms going off as these fast-paced commuters run for the bus. At times, many of these travelers will take the bus to work and return quite late on the train. Their cars remain in view for 16 hours a day. Many drive up on the grass or park extremely close to the curb, making lawn maintenance of the edge impossible. The noise and visual privacy of the local families are not even a blip on their radar screen. Street services have to detour around these vehicles, leaving most of the gutter area unclean and at times unsafe during snow removal.

I have witnessed firsthand the increase of litter all directly related to the commuter parking in my area during the last 25 years. The homeowners — living adjacent to these soon-to-be-restricted parking areas — have pride in their property and homes. These areas were never designed or intended for commuter parking. Those who were informed they could park in ShopRite or Stop and Shop were poorly informed.

Many years ago, the commuter parking was halted in the area which is now Taco Bell. This was forewarning of the privilege, not the right, to park in private establishments. Commuter parking at the PNC Arts Center, exit 120 and Cheesequake rest area are alternatives for these out-of-towners. Strathmore residents can easily walk to Lloyd Road or Route 34 for bus transportation. The residents of Aberdeen should be grateful, as the Town Council has protected their quality of life and upheld the rights of resident taxpayers.

James H. Faczak

Aberdeen