Morristown Hopes Parking Spaces Can Generate Revenue

With parking at such a premium in Morristown, town officials hope area businesses will want to grab at a rare opportunity to pick up some recently available parking spaces behind Town Hall on South Street.

At the town council meeting on Tuesday, July 20, the council introduced an ordinance that would put 140 parking spaces up for sale in 20-block lots. Each individual space would sell for at least $80, making the minimum purchase price at least $1,600.

Mayor Tim Dougherty said at the meeting the reason for the 20-space minimum was in part a deterrent for people who might purchase spaces from the town and then attempt to re-sell them later.

Business Administrator Michael Rogers said a subleasing clause was included in this procedure as the town was forced to reject bids on a previous sale because of the lack of such a clause.

Currently, the Kings supermarket leases spaces in the approximately 370-space lot at 200 South St. on a month-to-month basis for $50 each. Nearby medical offices also had been leasing spaces for $50 each, but that contract has expired after a five-year lease, prompting the sale.

"This generates revenue," Rogers said regarding the proposed increase in price, noting a continued demand for more parking in town. "There is a premium for parking [and we are going to] see if the market is willing to pay a higher price."

The council will vote on the sale at its Aug. 10 meeting at Town Hall.