Borough Welcomes 100 More Parking Spaces

This Friday, May 27, the borough will add 100 spaces to its downtown parking roster.

Friday's soft opening of the LumberYard Condominium complex's public parking garage will officially bring 100 more parking spaces to Collingswood.

Mayor James Maley said its the culmination of a long-awaited project.

"We've been telling folks (the garage will open) 'Soon, soon, soon,' for months," said Maley. "We've long had a problem of tight parking in town, and this will let folks come to shop and dine without the frustration of searching for a spot."

The borough reports the public garage—situated at the end of Powell Lane, along Atlantic Avenue and at the back side of the condominium complex—to be the length of three football fields.

Collingswood officials have made good on their plan to open the garage before Saturday, May 28's event—estimated to bring about 50,000 people into the borough. 

"It'll give people more available parking overall, but also more free spaces (for) Haddon Avenue shoppers, too," said All Fired Up Manager Kim Raiguel, whose shop sits perpendicular to the garage. "It's definitely a perk for my customers. People who wanted to come to town always came, but now, it'll be even easier."

The garage opens near the mouth of Powell Lane, and its row of restaurants and shops, leading foot traffic to Haddon Avenue. 

Borough officials say Powell, currently a one-way street, will soon be altered to allow entrance and exit from the garage. Drivers should be aware of new signage and change in traffic patterns. 

The site will also be used to host borough events, including string band performances held by Mummers on the fourth Wednesday of each month, festivals and concerts. 

The borough has paired garage parking with the new in town. 

According to borough officials, the underground segment of the garage will be limited to residential use and permit parking. The public portion of the garage is set at street-level. 

While the garage will be open for public use this Friday, Collingswood will host its grand opening on May 31, at 11:30 a.m., with a ribbon-cutting.

Residents and visitors are invited to the ribbon-cutting event.

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