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

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.

Here’s a New Yorker justifying his ownership of a car he admits he does not need.

|Photos: Henry Beebe-Center

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:

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Mamdani ‘Fully Confident’ in DOT Commissioner Despite Daylighting U-Turn

Mamdani declined to to follow through on his campaign pledge to "push back" on DOT's anti-daylighting position.

March 6, 2026

HungryPanda Pressured Delivery Workers in Dangerous Blizzard, Workers Say

A delivery worker with HungryPanda recounted a harrowing experience of working during last month's historic blizzard.

March 6, 2026

Make Biking Great Again: Conservatives Should Embrace The Right Wing Values Of Cycling

Cycling remains aligned in the national mind with progressive causes — but conservatives can find plenty to love about bikes.

March 6, 2026

Friday’s Headlines: NYPD Placard Chaos Edition

It was been a rough day for New York's Finest. Plus more news.

March 6, 2026

Hit-And-Run Driver Kills 4-Year-Old On Dangerous Brooklyn Corridor

The driver didn't stop while a child lost his life.

March 5, 2026

Mamdani Deputy Mayor On Charging For Street Parking: ‘It’s Not a No’

Dean Fuleihan said on Thursday that the city is discussing charging fees for currently free on-street parking.

March 5, 2026
See all posts