Whose spot?

Recycled, but again, timely: The ethics of the shoveled parking spot. If you shovel it out, is it yours?

Comments

No.

So, just because a driver shoveled out a parking space, they can reserve it and leave it empty and unused while they're away? How does that make sense when parking is at a premium?

Nope. Use it or lose it.

Years ago I moved from NYC to Baltimore. I didn't have a car in New York, but no one there would expect to have a spot free after leaving it, shoveling or no shoveling. Empty spots in many neighborhoods don't stay empty for more than a minute. Baltimore, however, used the chair as space holder in some neighborhoods: you shoveled out a space, you reserved it for later with a chair. It took me several sightings to figure out what chairs were doing in the road. I asked some co-workers, who explained that moving a chair could mean retribution. In NYC, the chairs wouldn't have lasted more than an hour. In smaller places, I suppose one should abide by the local tradition. (But where do all the cars go in Albany, in the denser neighborhoods, when there is mandatory alternate-side parking during a snow emergency?)

I've been in Boston this week, and it's alternated between hilarious and infuriating with the amount of spots that are saved in the neighborhood I'm staying in. The spot savers range from plastic containers filled with snow, to a cheezit box. It not only looks like trash everywhere but I think it's bold to see this happening in an entire neighborhood.

I think if a person has *just* shoveled out a parking space and plans to park in it within 15 minutes or so (time to walk to your car and drive back to your spot), then the shoveler should have the right to hold the spot. Holding a parking spot all day, when parking is at such a premium, is just rude and selfish.

Hi there. Comments have been closed for this item. Still have something to say? Contact us.

The Scoop

For a decade All Over Albany was a place for interested and interesting people in New York's Capital Region. It was kind of like having a smart, savvy friend who could help you find out what's up. AOA stopped publishing at the end of 2018.

Recently on All Over Albany

Thank you!

When we started AOA a decade ago we had no idea what was going to happen. And it turned out better than we could have... (more)

Let's stay in touch

This all feels like the last day of camp or something. And we're going to miss you all so much. But we'd like to stay... (more)

A few things I think about this place

Working on AOA over the past decade has been a life-changing experience for me and it's shaped the way I think about so many things.... (more)

Albany tightened its rules for shoveling snowy sidewalks last winter -- so how'd that work out?

If winter ever gets its act together and drops more snow on us, there will be sidewalks to shovel. And shortly after that, Albany will... (more)

Tea with Jack McEneny

Last week we were fortunate enough to spend a few minutes with Jack McEneny -- former state Assemblyman, unofficial Albany historian, and genuinely nice guy.... (more)

Recent Comments

My three year old son absolutely loving riding the train around Huck Finn's (Hoffman's) Playland this summer.

Thank you!

...has 27 comments, most recently from Ashley

Let's stay in touch

...has 4 comments, most recently from mg

A look inside 2 Judson Street

...has 3 comments, most recently from Diane (Agans) Boyle

Everything changes: Alicia Lea

...has 2 comments, most recently from Chaz Boyark

A few things I think about this place

...has 13 comments, most recently from Katherine