Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Department of Sanitation

Streetsblog Gets Action: That Derelict Car in Harlem Has Finally Been Removed

On Jan. 16.

Going...

Jan 18 a

Going...

Jan 18 b

Gone.

jan 18 c

The junked car that had been sitting in front of a Harlem Assembly member's office for more than two weeks has finally been removed by the Sanitation Department two days after Streetsblog wrote up the car and its saga in these pages.

"You guys are better than 'Help me, Howard,'" said Wendy Frank, a Harlem resident who reported the abandoned car to the 32nd Precinct in late December.

Frank is now hoping that city officials can address several other derelict cars, just to the north of the junked Mercedes, which had been sitting in front of Assembly Member Al Taylor's office. She's reported those cars, too, and is just waiting for action.

Some of those vehicles are "derelict," meaning they don't have plates and have substantial damage. Others are "abandoned," meaning they still have license plates and appear to be operable, but have been reported as sitting on the streets for longer than a month. Abandoned cars are handled by NYPD. Derelict cars are handled by DSNY or one of its contractor, such as Allied.

We'll keep you posted.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Rider Advocates Snub Mamdani’s Event After Mayor Opts Against Fordham Busway

Riders Alliance criticized Mamdani for eschewing the city's "original" busway plan that he campaigned to implement.

February 13, 2026

DE-ADAMSIZATION: Mamdani Restores Multiple Street Redesigns Killed By Eric Adams

The new mayor turns the page on four frustrating years of Eric Adams killing crucial street projects.

February 13, 2026

Q&A: Mamdani Biz Regulator Sam Levine Isn’t Afraid To Take On Big Tech

Levine's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection is a key regulatory force against the fast-growing delivery app industry, which has huge consequences for the city's public realm.

February 13, 2026

Commish Tisch: Fix in Mix For 311

The Adams appointee wants to revamp the 311 system so that police responses are trackable.

February 13, 2026

On Board! New Yorkers Want Weekend G Train Extension to Forest Hills

More service is a no-brainer, riders said.

February 13, 2026
See all posts