Bill Could Change Street Sweeping, Parking Regulations in New York City

Matt Flegenheimer and Kate Taylor report on a potential regulatory change to the practice of "alternate-side-of-the-street parking" in New York City, when residents move their cars to the other side of the street, in double-parked formation, while street sweepers pass.

According to the article, "[a] bill that will have a hearing before the City Council on Monday would allow drivers to return to parking spaces once the street sweepers pass, causing a potentially significant reduction in wait times for those doomed to mornings in their cars."

"Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez, a Democrat from Manhattan and the bill’s sponsor, said the legislation would prevent accidents by reducing the duration of double-parking; help the environment, with fewer cars idling or driving in search of spaces; and save New Yorkers 'millions of dollars' in lost time."

The proposal has set off a "fevered debate," and a previous attempt to change the regulations did not pass in 2010, but the current version has strong support in the council.

Erin Durkin reported on Monday's hearing, noting opposition to the bill from Mayor Bill de Blasio and the city's Sanitation Department. "But Council members said they plan to push forward with the change anyway…"