Hey Essex County: Is It Fair To Save Parking Spaces In A Snowstorm?

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — When the snow falls in Essex County, it's bad enough to dig your parking space out once. But the thought of digging out twice has inspired many Essex County residents to take matters into their own hands, some local police agencies say.

You have to give them credit for one thing… they’re resourceful. That’s what Bloomfield police had to say about local residents and vehicle owners in their town, who have been trying to save their freshly dug out parking spaces by placing chairs and other objects in the street.

There’s just one problem, Bloomfield cops say: it’s illegal.

“Although we admire your creativity, saving spots violates Township Code 239-23 (street obstruction),” Bloomfield police wrote. “Please remove items or a summons will be issued.”

According to Bloomfield Township Code 239-23:

“A person or persons shall not erect, construct, place or maintain any bumps, fences, gates, chains, bars, pipes, wood or metal horses or any other type of obstruction in or on any street within the boundaries of the municipality.”

The “tradition” of trying to reserve parking spaces on public streets during snowstorms isn’t unique to Bloomfield or Essex County.

Police in Belleville have reported similar struggles, including residents leaving objects such as golf clubs in the roadway in their quests to save spaces.

• See related article: Belleville Residents Butt Heads Over 'Saving Parking Spaces' When It Snows
• See related article: Belleville Cops: Stop Saving Parking Spaces Or Face Fines

But some Essex County residents say that it’s only fair to keep a parking space if you’re the one who dug it out.

“The mounds of snow are ridiculous, on my street the residents were the ones to plow because the town came once,” a Belleville resident wrote last year. “Some people spent hours trying to get their cars out. I would think the police department has better things to do than go looking for saved parking spaces. Please take note I don’t have the need to shovel or put objects to save spaces.”

“Come on… This is an age-old tradition!” wrote another resident.

What do you think? Is it OK to save a parking space on a public street if you’re the one that dug it out? Take our reader poll below and tell us why you voted that way in the comments section.

Main Photo: Bloomfield Police Department

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