NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—The city’s powerful parking authority board met yesterday, but a malfunctioning door meant that members of the public, including the author of this article, were blocked from attending the 5pm public meeting.

Last fall, the authority moved its offices and changed the regular board meeting location to the sixth floor of the Gateway Center, the tallest building in town, and one that is owned partly by the authority.  According to NBPA Executive Director Mitch Karon, the front door to the new offices “malfunctioned,” allowing for a very short meeting with no members of the public present.

“The door normally is locked at 5 pm. We extend the time until 6:30 on board meeting nights; evidently it malfunctioned,” Karon said.

“We will need to install a call button so in the future security can respond if timer malfunctions again.”

With no way to contact the Parking Authority over an intercom, let alone anything more favorable to people with disabilities, two members of the New Brunswick Today staff were denied access to the meeting.

A United States Postal Service worker, meanwhile, was prevented from delivering the mail to the parking authority.  It is unclear whether this is a regular occurrence.

The board meeting concluded in less than 26 minutes, according to Karon.

Reporter at New Brunswick Today

Richard researched transportation, land use, history, and other topics. Investigated site plans. Attended public meetings (planning board, zoning board, parking authority board of directors, City Council) to record and help determine what was discussed. Analyzed blueprints and site plans to determine what land uses sites would be put to. Photographed sites that would be affected by proposed projects, as well as sites involved in news events. Employed Sketchup CAD to visualize new land uses, such as buildings and structures. Critiqued and wrote articles in fast-paced work environment, writing before deadlines. Made judgments as to what constituted proper material to include in articles. Created a zoning map; am working on ways to show it to the public. Consulted vintage maps to determine historic land uses.

Richard researched transportation, land use, history, and other topics. Investigated site plans. Attended public meetings (planning board, zoning board, parking authority board of directors, City Council) to record and help determine what was discussed. Analyzed blueprints and site plans to determine what land uses sites would be put to. Photographed sites that would be affected by proposed projects, as well as sites involved in news events. Employed Sketchup CAD to visualize new land uses, such as buildings and structures. Critiqued and wrote articles in fast-paced work environment, writing before deadlines. Made judgments as to what constituted proper material to include in articles. Created a zoning map; am working on ways to show it to the public. Consulted vintage maps to determine historic land uses.