Community Corner

Did Risden's $50 July 4th Parking Fee Break a Record?

Patch readers report that parking was expensive and scarce on July 4th. By Denise Di Stephan

Patch received a few reports, and more than a few complaints, about Risden's charging a $50 parking fee on the 4th of July in Point Beach.

Complaints were also circulating on Facebook that day and the next, claiming not only that Risden's was charging an exorbitant rate, but that rates like that could discourage tourists from visiting Point Beach or the Jersey Shore in general.

Other readers said that a few nearby lots were charging $30 to $40 for the day, or that they couldn't find parking at all to go to the beach or to see fireworks and they gave up and went home.

A few others said they had friends or family in from out of town and were humiliated that signs demanding $30 to $50 for parking for the day were the welcome mat for their guests.

Has anyone ever seen a per day parking rate at $50 or higher? Did Risden's break a record?

(Patch has emailed the Risden's owner and will update this story if there is a response.)

What was your parking experience like on the 4th of July? Did you go to the beach or to see the fireworks in Point Beach? Where did you park and how much did you pay? 

Did you or any of your guests or visitors pay any rates you felt were excessive, but you paid them because it seemed there was no alternative? Will you pay them again? Will you go back to Point Beach for the 4th of July next year?

Do you think higher parking rates on a holiday will dissuade tourists from visiting Point Beach or other sections of the Jersey Shore this summer?

Please let us know in the Comments section.

Reminder: any offensive references, Patch user names, vulgarity (and that includes words, that are almost curse words, but with gibberish, such as #$&), unsubstantiated accusations, guesses about who is using which Patch user name, or personal attacks or insults will be deleted. Repeated attempts to post those types of comments will lead to banning of the commenters.


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