South Orange installs electric vehicle chargers downtown - Nearby NJ Transit train station

South Orange, NJ - Village officials, community members, representatives from Sustainable Jersey and nearby Widger Chevrolet - displaying one of their new Volts - in addition to Assembly members John McKeon and Mila Jasey gathered this morning to formally announce South Orange's latest green initiative. 

A grant from Sustainable Jersey/Wal-Mart enabled South Orange to install three electric vehicle chargers downtown nearby South Orange's NJ Transit Midtown Direct station. These parking spots are designated for electric vehicles, one of which is for EV use only.  The other two may be used by any vehicle at a premium parking rate ($1 per hour, including the cost of charge if used).  Payment for use of the spots may be made with the Smart Card system that was recently installed by the South Orange Parking Authority.

This is but one of a number of exciting green initiatives South Orange is implementing. Other recent projects include complete streets policies,
single-stream recycling, solar panel installations, upgrading HVAC systems for energy efficiency and including use of geothermal power in the plans for the restoration and renovation of Village Hall.

At the ribbon cutting, Village President Alex Torpey mentioned that "This kind of initiative embodies the spirit of South Orange community. The Village - and its residents and volunteers - have always and are always looking for ways to make our lives here in South Orange more sustainable."

Because of the large amount of commuter parking in South Orange, the installation of the chargers is particularly innovative and a valuable addition to the many services the Village already offers both residents and businesses. The Village further hopes this will help attract EV owners to visit our prize winning downtown establishments – allowing people to dine and attend the theater or movies while their electric vehicle is being charged. 

Assemblyman McKeon and Assemblywoman Jasey also presented South Orange with a resolution from the New Jersey State Legislature thanking and congratulating the Village for being one of New Jersey's foremost green communities.  

Trustee Howard Levison thanked the members of the Energy Policy Committee, noting that this was "one of many green initiatives" envisioned by the group.

The Village would like to express its appreciation to Sustainable Jersey and Wal-Mart for providing the grant, the South Orange Parking Authority, Department of Public Works, Environmental Commission, Energy Policy Committee PSE&G and all who helped make this exciting initiative happen.