Understanding Harrison, NJ Parking Permits: What You Need to Know

Harrison, New Jersey, a bustling town with a growing residential and commercial scene, has undergone significant transformation over the past 26 years. The southern part of town, once home to abandoned industrial properties and commuter parking lots for PATH train riders, has blossomed into a vibrant residential community. However, as the town continues to evolve, so do the challenges, especially when it comes to parking.

At a recent Mayor & Council meeting, residents voiced frustrations about parking enforcement, particularly in the Southern Harrison (SOHA) district. They described feeling more like commuters than residents, as parking enforcement agents seemed relentless in issuing tickets. The issue revolves around the lack of unmetered parking spaces. Unlike other parts of Harrison where the side streets don’t have metered parking with one exception, the SOHA district has side street metered parking. This is causing anxiety as previously reported.

A History of Parking Meters in Harrison

The parking meters in SOHA have been around since the 1950s. They once lined South Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard (formerly known as South 4th Street) and some of the surrounding side streets. Back then, the meters were primarily used by commuters who would feed them enough quarters in the morning to last 10 to 12-hour periods while they took the PATH train into New York City for work. The revenue generated from these meters helped fund the town, and in one infamous case, the funds went into the pockets of a former department head who was later indicted for theft of a large sum of quarters. Despite this scandal, the town has yet to fully recover the funds as part of a plea agreement with the Hudson County prosecutor’s office.

Commuter Parking on Side Streets

As the town grew and more commuters sought alternatives to the busy PATH station parking lots, many began parking on local side streets to avoid paying for parking. Who could blame them? A walk to the station could save money and provide a little exercise. However, this practice soon became problematic, as it resulted in the loss of available parking spaces for residents who lived in those neighborhoods.

The Birth of the Harrison Resident Parking Permit

In response to complaints from residents, the Mayor & Council implemented the Harrison Resident Parking Permit system, which remains in place today. Initially, the parking permits were limited to the southern part of town, particularly around the PATH station. However, as the population grew and parking issues spread throughout the town, the permit system was expanded to cover Harrison’s entire one-square-mile area.

Why Every Harrison Resident Should Apply for a Parking Permit

Many new residents of Harrison may not fully understand the purpose of the Harrison Resident Parking Permit. Unlike towns such as Montclair, NJ, where parking permits are designed to limit the number of cars parked in certain neighborhoods, Harrison’s permit system is straightforward. The primary function of the Harrison Resident Parking Permit is to allow residents to park on the street for more than two hours without facing a parking ticket.

Without a permit, any vehicle parked in non-metered areas for more than two hours will receive a parking ticket. The Harrison Resident Parking Permit was created to prevent non-residents, especially commuters, from occupying spaces meant for residents.

Special Considerations for Event Days at Sports Illustrated Stadium

Another critical benefit of the Harrison Resident Parking Permit is its usefulness during event days at the Sports Illustrated Stadium (formerly Red Bull Arena). On game days and during other events such as concerts, parking in surrounding streets becomes limited, with many non-residents flocking to the area. Harrison Parking Enforcement Officers are particularly vigilant during these events, ticketing any vehicles parked without a Harrison Resident Parking Permit. Non-residents are generally restricted from parking on the streets and must use parking garages, including the Harrison Parking Garage next to the PATH station, which is within walking distance of the arena.

While some streets near the stadium may have restrictions even for residents, those with a valid Harrison Resident Parking Permit are allowed to park in other parts of Harrison during these events, providing greater flexibility.

Types of Harrison Parking Permits

Understanding the various types of Harrison Parking Permits available can help ensure you have the right permit for your needs. Here's an overview of the different permits offered:

1. Resident Parking Permit
• Who Qualifies: Available to Harrison residents with proof of residency.
• Purpose: Allows parking in designated areas for more than two hours without receiving a ticket.
• Validity: Valid for one year (January to December) and requires annual renewal.
• Cost: No Cost to Residents
• Application Link: Harrison Resident Parking Permit Application 2025
2. Business / Non-Resident Parking Permit
• Who Qualifies: Available to local businesses and their employees.
• Purpose: Allows employees of local businesses to park over 2 hours in town. It does not exempt employees from feeding parking meters but does provide free parking on non-metered streets during normal business hours.
• Cost: $50.00 per year
• Application Link: Harrison Non-Resident Employee Parking Permit Application.

How to Apply for a Parking Permit in Harrison

The process for applying for a parking permit in Harrison is fairly straightforward. Here's how you can submit your application:

1. Online Submission: Complete your Parking Permit Application and email it to this email address.
2. In-Person Submission: You can also print out the application, fill it out, and drop it off at the police department. There is a silver mailbox located outside the police department entrance on Cleveland Avenue for easy submission.
3. Mail Submission: Alternatively, you can print and fill out the form and mail it to the Harrison Police Department, Attn: Traffic Safety Bureau, 318 Harrison Avenue, Harrison NJ 07029

Once your application is processed and your information is verified, your parking permit will be mailed to you. For further inquiries, residents can contact the Traffic Safety Bureau at 973-268-2468.

Harrison’s parking permit system serves as a crucial tool to maintain order in a town whose lack of street parking has become more blatant. The Harrison Resident Parking Permit is something every Town of Harrison resident should have on their car. It unfortunately does not guarantee you a parking space.  It does ensure you don’t get a parking ticket for violating the Town’s 2 Hour Maximum Parking ordinance. What is your suggestion on how the Town of Harrison can address its lack of street parking?

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