Video: Another Way The Snow Reveals Our Misallocation of Public Space
New Yorkers barely use their cars and, instead, use them to seize public space.
12:02 AM EST on February 9, 2026
Hopefully by now, you’re familiar with sneckdowns, but misuse of public space isn’t the only thing that snow reveals about our city. In the aftermath of the Jan. 25 storm, it’s become evident that many New Yorkers barely use the cars they own and, instead, use their private vehicles to seize public space.
It’s especially appalling in New York City, where nothing, except for nearly three million parking spaces, is free.
And that’s a huge mistake. According to a 2024 Hunter College study, if drivers were charged market rate for parking, the city would bring in an additional $12.3 billion annually (roughly nine times the Department of Transportation budget).
Check out our latest video:
After attending the University of Vermont, Henry packed his things and went to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of working in the motion picture industry. He quickly found that no amount of Hollywood glamour was worth having to endure the suburban hellscape that is Southern California. He’s been in New York ever since — and he's obsessed with urbanism.
Read More:
More from Streetsblog New York City
Mamdani Budget Could Tank Queens Subway Expansion He Once Supported
Mayor Mamdani's budget funds a High Line-like Queens park that could prevent future attempts to revive a deactivate rail line.
March 25, 2026
D.C. Advocates Sue To Save Key Bike Lane From Trump
We previously reported that the Trump administration might soon move to dismantle key cycle tracks in the nation's capital. Unfortunately, we were right.
March 25, 2026
New York’s Forgotten 2,000-Mile Bike Network—And What It Can Teach Us Today
How a bold 1890s experiment led to one of the nation’s most-extensive greenway networks.
March 25, 2026
Wednesday’s Headlines: Working for the Yankee Bus Lane Edition
Bx6 bus riders in the Bronx are getting a crosstown speed boost with a long-in-the-works reconstruction of 161st Street. Plus more news.
March 25, 2026
‘Game Changer’: DOT To Add Southbound Bike Lane Through Key Gap in Village
Going south on a bike through Greenwich Village will no longer go south.
March 24, 2026
Comments Are Temporarily Disabled
Streetsblog is in the process of migrating our commenting system. During this transition, commenting is temporarily unavailable.
Once the migration is complete, you will be able to log back in and will have full access to your comment history. We appreciate your patience and look forward to having you back in the conversation soon.