Passaic’s mayor is working to quell an age-old parking war sparked by residents trying to save on-street spaces they shoveled after this week’s snowstorm.
“Our DPW and our police will be going around the city picking up any item that is utilized to save parking spaces. We do not allow saving spaces within the city,” Mayor Hector C. Lora said in a video message Friday.
Lora pointed to a city pickup truck full of tires and other household debris that he said crews already collected for saved spaces. As residents shovel a street parking space, some have used the trash - including an old dryer and broken bicycles - to lay claim to public spots.
“If you choose to shovel out [a parking space] so you can get your car out, you have already gotten your car out ... you cannot reserve parking spaces permanently and illegally on public property.” the mayor said.
Residents who moved the debris and parked in the cleared spots have found their tires slashed and vehicles spit on, CBS New York reported.
Passaic is among several snowbound cities where street parking is at a premium to warn against illegally saving spaces. In Philadelphia, police had a brush with social media fame for a #NoSavesies hashtag and Stranger Things-inspired video dubbed “Savesies Things.”
Lora, who joined police and public works crews as they patrolled for saved spaces, said authorities would not tolerate parking disputes.
“I urge all residents to allow the police and our DPW to do their jobs, do not get into debates or arguments with each other, if anyone in any way takes out their frustration on another person or their property they [will be prosecuted] to the full extent of the law,” the mayor added.
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Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com.