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

The final spot in the "Elite Eight" of parking craters is riding on this match. Either Grand Rapids, Michigan, or Salt Lake City, Utah, will move on to the second round of Parking Madness, Streetsblog's annual contest for eternal parking infamy.

Both cities have their natural strengths. Grand Rapids, of course, is part of the state that automobiles built, and Salt Lake City is known for its gigantic blocks that make walking difficult.

Let's see what each city has in store for us, starting with Grand Rapids:

grandrapids
false

An anonymous submitter writes of this spot: "It is on some of the most valuable riverfront land in the city. It even has a skywalk connection to it in the northeastern corner. I have been here over 20 years and there has been a lot of newer development in the immediate area, but for some strange reason this spot is still vacant."

The parking blight in this part of Grand Rapids probably has something to do with that highway -- U.S. Route 131 -- cutting through the frame. (Boy, if you zoom in, is that highway empty.)

Let's see if Salt Lake City can do worse:

Picture 8
false


This location comes to us via Mike Christensen, who explains the photo "shows the area around Energy Solutions Arena and the Salt Palace Convention Center with Temple Square just beyond. The second full-block parking crater is now sponsored by Lexus -- as if that made it alright. Fortunately, this parking lot did serve a useful purpose during the 2002 Olympics as the Medals Plaza."

Car companies sponsoring parking craters? Too perfect!

parking_madness_2014_8
false

Let us know which of these locations you find most offensive by casting your vote below:

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

DOT Proposing A 14th Street-Style Busway For 34th Street

It's the sequel you've been waiting for. Here's hoping Mayor Adams delivers, said one activist.

May 19, 2025

Sohn in Albany: State Bill to Force Drivers to Pass Safely Stalls

Apparently, New York City is just too unsafe for legislation forbidding drivers to pass cyclists too closely.

May 19, 2025

Car Harms Monday: Machines Took Over Cities and Left Humans in the Dust

There isn't enough physical space for every single household to store its fleet of personal vehicles in front of the home, nor is there space for everyone to drive at the same time. So let's fix that.

May 19, 2025

A Valuable History Lesson for Jessica Tisch: ‘The Rules of the Road’ Were Written for Cars

Hey, Commissioner, listen to this historian: When rules recognize reality, suiting the distinct needs of categorically different users, everybody wins.

May 19, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: ‘Hey, Sean, We’re Walking Here’ Edition

The federal Transportation secretary once again shows how little he knows about urban transportation. Plus other news.

May 19, 2025
See all posts