Beth'lem Plays Musical Chairs

The Morning Call (How did they name this paper anyway? Who likes getting a call in the morning?) 's cover article today details how Bethlehem removed spot saving devices recently.
I have to say, this is bold. Necessary, but bold. As people are quoted saying, many feel this is a 'way of life' and 'everybody does it'.
As for the way of life; I'd imagine in a real well established neighrborhood of owner occupied homes, this wouldn't really be necessary. why? because people who know each other, are 'good neighbors', would know who cleaned out what spot, who parkes where, etc. for instance, my neighbor with a driveway, I know when she is home or not, and she doesn't mind if I park in her driveway from time to time.
Factors contributing to the problem/need of saving spaces:
1. people who don't clean out their vehicles. I've seen people that clean out just enough to remove their car, but don't necessarily park there when they get home, because they can choose a better spot later.
2. Too many cars. This is a problem all year 'round, compounded by the next problem;
3. No place to put the snow. Some of have yards to throw the snow, but most people don't. The Cities require us to clear the sidewalks, so the snow gets piles where a car could park.
4. Cars that aren't moved for DAYS. I don't understand this; if you can afford to be without your car for perhaps WEEKS, then why do you have it at all?

I think if people would just get together to clean the street after a storm we could all have a place to park.

What about Easton and collecting all the chairs and barrels? They say they aren't doing it, causes too many problems. I would suggest that they at least ticket the cars that aren't moved in 3 days, just like they do in the warmer weather. AND, ticket the cars that are parked too far from the curb!

*sigh* Spring is almost here...

Be Careful Out There!

Most of the snow may have washed away, but the lower temps made all that water into some very unpredictable icy roads and walkways. Because not everyone shoveled out the remaining snow around their cars, the neighborhood now has crunchy and icy snow piles all over the place, making the roads all the more difficult to navigate.
Double parking while picking up passengers just adds to the difficulty. If people would just consider the other guy sometimes (you know, that other guy coming down the hill towards you that you didn't leave enough room for) then life in this West Ward would be a bit more pleasant.

And safe.

Township Bans Spot Saving

It's that time of year again folks, when the snow falls, the shovels come out, as well as the pylons, garbage cans and dining room chairs.
yes, I am talking about saving parking spots. I know, it's a treasured component of living in PA, but we all know it causes problems. At least one township is doing something about it . Darby Township is bold enough to tackle this issue head on with fines!
The most we ever get from Easton is 'maybe' a warning. A Police Officer 'might' tell someone 'hey, you can't do that', but people continue to save spots, as well as throw snow in the street when they clean out their car.
But what do you expect from a town where double parking is considered a God Ordained Right?
I would love to see neighborhoods get together to tackle this issue. When it snows, everyone agrees to move their cars and everyone pitches in to clean the street! Put all the snow in one place and everyone has a place to park!
If everyone took a little personal responsibility we could all have a place to park and and everything would be just a little more peaceful.
UPDATE: one of my favorite LV blogs, Lehigh Valley Transplant, posted a similar write up this morning, go check it out!