Residents force officials to drop New Jersey beach parking plan

The changing seasons are not the only thing transforming when the calendar switches from April to May in South Jersey. Many Jersey Shore Towns flip the switch for paid parking to return for the summer season weeks ahead of Memorial Day Weekend.

While Paid Parking is on the list of the most disliked parts of summertime in South Jersey, the reality is that many Shore Towns depend on parking revenue to cover expenses that come with the summer season.

But one South Jersey Municipality is reversing course on plans for Summer Paid Parking

At the most recent Lower Township Council meeting, an ordinance was passed unanimously that will end plans for paid parking in Diamond Beach, the southern-most Beach community on the Five Mile Island.

The Coastal Communities of North Wildwood, City of Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest are the three municipalities north of Diamond Beach. With a total area of approximately two-tenths of a square mile, Diamond Beach (formerly known as the Two Mile Beach) has been an underrated shore destination for the last 30 years.

Back in March, Lower Township approved the creation of paid parking areas in Diamond Beach to generate revenue to cover costs for beach maintenance. The original plan was to designate at least 160 paid parking spots for paid parking which commuters would pay to use with the Park Mobile App.

But a flood of year-round Lower Township Locals and Seasonal Diamond Beach Residents raised complaints about this new paid parking plan to start in 2026. Parking is already a controversial topic between Diamond Beach Home Owners and Municipal Officials, while year-round Lower Township residents have taken issue with the reality there has been no paid parking in this area for decades.

Famous for popular resort destinations such as ICONA Diamond Beach, the unincorporated coastal community at the southern tip of The Wildwoods offers summertime visitors a more private vibe, and a less congested area of the Jersey Shore to enjoy.