Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Eyes on the Street

Eyes on the Street: Parking Placard Unicorn Spotted on Smith Street

Photo: Justin Pollock

Speaking at a Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce event this week, NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill fielded questions about placard abuse on Atlantic Avenue, which has been a drag on Downtown Brooklyn businesses for years.

O'Neill promised to do something about it. From the Brooklyn Eagle:

Businesses on Atlantic Avenue in Boerum Hill have complained that they are losing customers because so many city workers are using phony permits and other city ID to park for free all day, according to the Atlantic Avenue BID, the organization that represents more 300 businesses along the avenue.

“I’ll have a conversation with [Deputy Inspector] Sergio Centa of the 84th Precinct and rectify that,” O’Neill promised. “My own precinct up in the 44, we had a similar problem …. We cleaned up the situation. I’ll talk to Serge,” he said.

It looks like O'Neill and Serge had that talk.

Reader Justin Pollock snapped these pics this morning on Smith Street, which crosses Atlantic at the Brooklyn House of Detention. Some of the cited vehicles had Department of Correction placards, while others had clothing bearing the DOC shield placed on dashboards. “I counted 15 tickets just on the east side of the street,” Pollock told us in an email.

We'll see if the 84th Precinct will keep up enforcement, or if O'Neill will take other steps to finally address the illegal parking scourge. But it's another sign that NYPD can curb placard abuse when it wants to.

IMG_0962-e1481304039990
IMG_0957-e1481304111285
IMG_0955-e1481304167267
IMG_0981-e1481304308456

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

DOT Asks Judge to Dismiss Streetsblog’s Lawsuit over Agency’s Public Info Stall

The DOT is arguing that its slow response time before providing or not providing information is "reasonable."

November 12, 2024

Tuesday’s Headline: Six-Figure Ad Buy Edition

Congestion pricing supporters call Gov. Hochul out with a six-figure ad buy. Plus more news.

November 12, 2024

DOT: Tremont Ave. Busway to Be Installed in Spring

The 0.6-mile busway will only allow trucks and buses to use the entire stretch, while car drivers will need to leave the street at the first available turn.

November 11, 2024

Monday’s Headlines: Hochul’s No Political Veteran Edition

Yes, it's Veteran's Day, but we really wanted to give you a daily headlines roundup because of all the news that broke over the weekend.

November 11, 2024

PUMP THE BRAKES: A Veteran Driving Instructor Laments Rising Dangers on The Road

I’ve seen firsthand over 25 years as a driving instructor and DMV License Examiner that an increasing number of drivers no longer deserve that privilege.

November 11, 2024
See all posts