STONE HARBOR, N.J. - Locals and beachgoers alike at one of New Jersey's most popular shore towns are furious over a new paid parking spots that some say is nothing more than a cash grab by the city.
Even on slow summer nights on Stone Harbor's main drag finding a parking spot is a challenge, but you find a coveted spot you'd better have your wallet and smartphone handy.
Newly installed green signs now dot parts of 96th street prompting drivers to use the contactless ParkMobile app to pay for parking.
The sign even provides a QR code and a text option. The seemingly easier way to pay for parking has been anything but simple for locals and visitors, some of whom have been on the receiving end of a 1600 percent increase in parking tickets. "It's an attitude, it's bad business, it's bad policy," said Pam Salamone, who works part-time at a Stone Harbor boutique.