More Valet Parking Coming to Downtown Red Bank

It will soon be a bit easier to park in downtown Red Bank.

The Red Bank Borough Council unanimously approved a resolution at its regular meeting Wednesday evening that allows for the expansion of valet parking services on Broad Street.

Mayor Pat Menna said the service is being expanded to accommodate "the opening of another extraordinary place" in Red Bank with the impending addition of Char Steakhouse at the corner of Mechanic and Broad streets.

The service, requested by Red Bank RiverCenter, will be from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily, according to the resolution. Council's approval allows for valet services on the east side of Broad Street from its intersection with Mechanic Street, extending 147 feet north and 95 feet south.

Vehicles would be parked in the Mechanic Street municipal lot, and temporary signage would be erected on Broad Street during the hours of operation.

"It doesn't cost the borough anything," Menna said of the RiverCenter initiative.

Currently, the service is offered on weekends on the first block of Broad Street, off the West Front Street intersection, as well as on the west side of the borough, on Bridge Avenue.

"Valet parking is working," Councilman Art Murphy said.

However, the council's resolution makes clear that an expansion of valet services is on a trial basis. Authorization will expire on Dec. 31.

After months of work, curious onlookers can peek into the windows of Char and see a modern steakhouse take shape. Banners posted on its windows this past week indicate the restaurant, with a pre-existing location in Raritan, is hiring staff for its impending opening. 

The restaurant will occupy the space formerly inhabited by Ashes Cigar Club.

Check back with Patch for more details on the expansion of valet services.