Letters: BAFFLED BY ‘NO PARKING’ ISSUES

In a recent letter to the Gloucester City News, I had asked for some information why City residents have to move their cars for an hour for no apparent reason, and so far no one has been able to give me a logical answer.

One of the newest answers was, \”It’s just the way it has always been,\” which to me is not very logical. I have two cars I park in locations where there is \”No Parking\” on Thursdays and Fridays from 8 to 9 a.m.

So, on Thursday, I moved my car and not only did the sweeper come by, but it came past twice in the same hour. On Friday, I moved my car and the sweeper never came by.

There were several other cars illegally parked for the whole hour, and none of those cars received a ticket.

Why does my car get a parking ticket, and these other cars do not? I am beginning to feel as though I am being singled out. On a regular basis, I see other cars, including vehicles from local businesses, parking where they want without getting parking tickets.

Several months ago I had been told by a City detective that I could not park my motorcycle on the sidewalk, but a local business has motorcycles parked on its sidewalk up to six times a week without tickets being issued.

Are they someone special, or do I have to own a business to earn these special parking privileges? It needs to be understood that this letter, previous or future letters, are in no way meant to demean or start a conflict with the local police. I feel they do a fine job, and are underpaid for the work they do!

Can anyone help answer my questions, as I am truly baffled by these \”No Parking\” issues in our City? I am not the only person in Gloucester City with these problems, and I would like to hear from others. Now is your chance to sound off.

Joseph M. Pine, Gloucester City

Note from Bill-

Dear Mr. Pine

Over the years I have written about this topic several times. What I found was the No Parking ordinance has nothing to do with the sweeper. It is because the City is making over $100,000 annually from this \” tax\” which they label as a No Parking violation. In fact I would bet that figure is even higher today.

I never did find out if this \”parking tax\” is making enough money to pay for the salaries of two full- time sweeper employees plus benefits and the salary for a part-time parking official (meter maid). Add in the cost and maintenance of the equipment to that total.

Many people have complained about this \”parking tax\” but it doesn\’t seem to faze mayor and council, as this law has been on the books for ages..

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