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

Five Ways New NYPD Boss Jessica Tisch Can Fix Our Dangerous Streets

If the Sanitation Commissioner wants to use her new position to make city streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists, here's where she can start.

November 21, 2024

What Do the Mayoral Candidates Think Of ‘City of Yes’?

Too bad for Hizzoner that challengers Zellnor Myrie, Brad Lander, Scott Stringer, Jessica Ramos and Zohran Mamdani — all Democrats — aren't on the Council. 

November 21, 2024

Thursday’s Headlines: ‘Tisch Gets Wish in Rich Commish Switch’ Edition

We were pleasantly surprised that Mayor Adams chose Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch to give the NYPD a clean sweep. Plus other news.

November 21, 2024

‘Stars On Cars’ Rating System Will Finally Grade How Safe Vehicles Are For People Their Drivers Hit

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has finally changed the nation's consumer safety rating system for new automobiles to accommodate vulnerable road users.

November 21, 2024

Who is Trump’s Would-Be US DOT Secretary Sean Duffy?

Former Fox News host, congressman, reality TV star and competitive lumberjack Sean Duffy has said he wants to "take an ax" to Washington. Will non-automotive modes get the chop, too?

November 20, 2024
See all posts