Councilman David G. Greenfield and Community Board 12 Chairman Yidel Perlstein are warning businesses in Boro Park and Midwood of an impending crackdown by the mayor’s office on merchants who place storage containers in front of their stores without the necessary city permits. There currently are dozens of these storage trailers at locations throughout the area, despite the fact that no valid permits are currently on file for any local business. That means that every storage container now parked on local streets is illegal and the businesses that are responsible are subject to fines during the upcoming enforcement period.
In response to the proliferation of these containers, which take up dozens of parking spaces around the area and pose a safety hazard by blocking sightlines for drivers and pedestrians, the city Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO) will begin enforcement in conjunction with the Sanitation Department at the end of the week. This will include issuing fines to businesses that do not have the necessary permits. Councilman Greenfield is now working to inform the community of the regulations regarding street storage containers and of the upcoming enforcement blitz to help prevent merchants from unwittingly receiving a fine for failing to obtain a permit.
“I understand how important these storage units are for many neighborhood businesses for Yom Tov and the last thing I want is for a hard-working merchant to receive an unfair fine. At the same time, we must abide by the rules and regulations that are in place to make sure that businesses do not block our public streets. That’s why I am getting word out to merchants now, so that they can take the necessary steps to avoid receiving a summons when the city begins the enforcement crackdown later this week,” said Councilman Greenfield.
“It is vital that businesses obtain a permit before using public space for storage containers out of the need for fairness and safety. This enforcement is not to trick merchants or surprise them with tickets, so we are providing the community with a fair warning before the city begins issuing summonses. In the meantime, Community Board 12 and Councilman Greenfield are available to assist any merchants who have questions or concerns,” said Yidel Perlstein, chairman of Community Board 12.
Many residents of the community have been frustrated with the dozens of illegal containers that take up parking spots and jeopardize public safety. While some businesses received permits for the Yom Tov of Sukkos, all of those permits have expired as of Monday, meaning that businesses must remove these containers as soon as possible or face fines from the city.
Businesses can find out more information about the process for applying for a permit by visiting www.nyc.gov/cecm and clicking on the Street Activity Permit Office link along the left side of the page or by calling Councilman Greenfield’s office at (718) 853-2704.
(YWN Desk – NYC)
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
One Response
What about all the Yellow School Buses that park overnight on residential blocks? This illegal activity causes many residents to feel very unsafe, & concerned. There are numerous laws regarding School buses & where they are allowed to park especially overnight. Also, Schools should really be more sensitive with regard to proper lighting on thier buildings infront of numerous parked school buses so Men, Women, & Children can feel safe walking by at night if necessary. This issue is something which must be addresses as well.