Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Media Watch

Daily News, Betsy Gotbaum Come to the Aid of Parking Ticket Victims

newstix1.jpgYesterday we noted how it took a cyclist-involved collision to get the Daily News riled up over pedestrian fatalities. Regaining its senses, the paper today again turns its attention to the real victims: motorists. Specifically those who park illegally and are indiscriminately ticketed for doing so.

Bronx business owners say parking agents are harassing customers and hindering revenue, and are demanding action from electeds and calling for an investigation by Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum. Says Margaret Arrighi, head of the Bronx Business Alliance: "They wait for you to park. They come up from behind, like a tiger waiting for its prey."

According to the News, the animalistic stalkers have even killed.

The meeting [between business owners and officials] follows what has now become city lore - the death of Leo Magnotta, 64, who suffered a heart attack in May while arguing with traffic enforcement supervisors when he was issued a ticket while double-parked and waiting for his wife outside a Subway sandwich shop at 3714 E. Tremont Ave.

In the interest of "on the other hand" journalism, even murderous thugs deserve a sentence in their defense. Here it is:

Craig Chin, a spokesman for the city Department of Transportation, said that double-parking is illegal at all times, because it is a safety issue.

But back to the crisis at hand. Included in the News exposé is a handy sidebar (above) with suggestions on how to beat a parking ticket. Note that the final tip is from Gotbaum's office. That's right: so serious is the problem of ticketing for illegal parking that the city's public advocate is now issuing advice on how to escape it. (Eggheaded twits might suggest that variable-rate parking would be a fairer, more efficient solution, but now is the time for action, not ideas.)

If all else fails, we suggest invoking the method preferred by that of infamous defender of motorist privilege, State Senator Jeff Klein: "Get your hands off my car, you fucking asshole."

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Delivery App Companies Oppose A City Council E-Bike Safety Bill … Again

Delivery workers want protection from being fired from their app jobs without a reason. True to form, the app companies don't want them to have it.

September 15, 2025

Parks Dept. to Canal Street: ‘No Trees for You!’

The Parks Department wants to plant more trees — it does! — but so many things are conspiring against the agency on Manhattan's worst street.

September 15, 2025

What New York Can Learn from European Buses

Or better said, why the DOT and MTA should sweat the small stuff.

September 15, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Cars Are Weapons Edition

A driver faces murder charges for allegedly intentionally striking a 16-year-old on Roosevelt Avenue. Plus more news.

September 15, 2025

SEE IT: Mets Pitcher Sean Manaea Is Just Another Guy On The Subway

As the beloved Amazin's open a crucial homestead, we took a subway ride to Citi Field with a man on whose arm depends everything. The ride, at least, was no big deal for this veteran commuter.

September 12, 2025

DOT Canal Street Plan Adds Pedestrian Space, Bike Route, But Next Mayor Must Think Bigger

The changes are a good start, but Canal Street deserves a radical transformation.

September 12, 2025
See all posts