To the Editor:
A day after the “Dec. 26 Snowmageddon,” I decided to take a precarious walk around my neighborhood, ski-poles in hand to remain steady on the sidewalks still covered with snow, and to walk through snow-piled crosswalks. The Bayonne Bridge looked dramatic against the winter sky, the wind still brisk, stinging my face. However, the peaceful solitude the snow had brought the day before was soon being replaced by a much different sound.
As I walked along one block, I was quick to notice a few parking spots, not occupied with cars, but instead with garbage barrels. One even had a “No Parking” sign planted at the entrance to a neatly shoveled out roofless three-sided snow-garage.
Three blocks later, the silence was broken by a verbal argument between a person in a car wishing to pull into a spot and another person blocking that spot, loudly pointing out that he had cleared this spot for his car, which now had left the area. I noticed a garbage can over to the side, which possibly replaced the missing car to reserve that spot upon its return. The car driver stood his ground, but try as he may, was prevented from pulling into that spot. When I pointed out to the outraged person that he had no right to block that spot, he had some words for me. So much for peace on earth, good will to man!
Trekking on, I came to a block where, much to my surprise, there were numerous empty parking spots, all without the presence of a barricade. Truly, a snowfall, no matter how minimal or how massive, can and will bring out either the best or the worst in people.
By the way, I do own a car, not the latest of models, not a classic, just one that gets me from point A to point B. It took me several hours to dig out, even after the plow came down my street a few times. Two days later, I went grocery shopping and when I came back, my spot was taken. Did I get upset? A little, I will admit. But I found another spot close by. No big deal. Life goes on.
The bottom line is this: Whether you dig out your car yourself or with your family, pay someone or melt the snow using the hot exhaust from the tailpipe, once you leave that spot, it is open to anyone who wants it. Placing barrels, wooden horses, pipes, railroad ties, a life-size cut-out of Snooki, etc., in a spot is illegal and not “neighbor-friendly.” Also, those who have the luxury of a driveway, garage, or a carport should place their car there and free up space for those who do not.
It will snow again, yes, but like anything, the snow will melt, the streets will be clear, and we can all park where we want. Does it make sense to alienate your neighbors over a parking spot? To those who have done that after these last two snowstorms, think about it. Is it really worth the aggravation?
GEORGE M. WILSON