Brooklyn – New York City Council candidate and education advocate, David G. Greenfield is working with NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan to solve the Shabbos parking meter problem that has resulted in the issuance of a flurry of tickets to Boro Park residents. In response to Greenfield’s inquiry to the DOT on this matter, Commissioner Sadik-Khan wrote a letter to Greenfield in which she assured him that the DOT is currently studying his proposed solution and examining its possible implementation.
Parking meters throughout Boro Park are in effect until 7:00 pm on Friday, even though in the winter months, Shabbos begins as early as 4:00 pm. Once Shabbos starts, observant Jewish drivers are prohibited by Jewish Law from feeding the meter. Even if they feed the meter at 5:00 pm (the approximate start of Shabbos during several weeks in the winter months), they are only allowed to pay for one hour, resulting in parking tickets that they are unable to prevent.
Greenfield and DOT Commissioner Sadik-Khan are working on Greenfield’s plan that would install muni-meters along affected avenues with a Shabbos setting that would allow drivers to pay for parking through 7:00 pm (up to three hours in advance) on Friday only. The plan is currently being reviewed by the DOT Parking Operations Division.
“Your participation in transportation issues which affect your community is greatly appreciated,” said Commissioner Sadik-Khan in her letter to Greenfield. “We appreciate your interest and look forward to working with you on this issue.”
“I commend DOT Commissioner Sadik-Khan for pledging to working with this community to create a solution that respects our religious obligations,” said Greenfield. “When we work together, we can establish creative solutions to common problems.”
(YWN Desk – NYC)
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13 Responses
Considering that Shabbos starts well before 5pm for a number of weeks in the winter, as you so stated in your article, it would be difficult to feed the meter at 5PM. Just a thought.
Now all we need is to somehow stop the Lazar people from taking down Greenfield’s posters which let the people know what he has done for THEM as opposed to what the Hikind/Lazar team has done for the machers of the moisdos
What about Shabbos?
Has anybody gotten tickets on Shabbos or are the meters not in eefect like on Sun?
How about just not giving tickets on Shabbos and Yom Tov? There are no businesses open in the entire neighborhood and there’s no traffic. This is not preference to a specific group. This is called relating to the reality of an entire neighborhood. I thought this country was established on the basis that the government doesn’t go against the will of the people.
I guess its not helpful to say “its about time”, but, I’ts About Time!!!!!
Mr. Working Guy; have you read the article? It states that you would be able to feed the meter for a 3 hour time period. That means that even when Shabbos would start at 4:11PM (the earliest it gets in Boro Park)you would have no problem.
Why don’t these ehrlich yidden simply park in their garages over shabbos or on a sidestreet with no meters rather than seeking special treatment. Soon, the goyim will want an exemption from feeding the meters on Sunday when yiddin are driving around desparately seeking a parking space
Garages? In boro park? Which boro park is that?
Well Gadolhadorah, they got their wish. They don’t have to feed the meters on Sunday. Nor do we, for that matter.
Why do you call it special treatment? We are not talking about individuals. We are talking about a whole neighborhood, and we deserve peace of mind. These are the needs of an entire community, and there is no reason that we not be given consideration.
nu? when will we hear about what lazar has done for us lately? oh, he hasn’t done anything lately…
Gadolhatorah: I am sure if such parking were available, it would be used. Unfortunately there are more cars than free parking spaces in Brooklyn. Where are you from? Out of town? Or perhaps you don’t have a car. You are not being realistic.
goodbye (comment 10)– You won’t read i non YWN, that’s for sure!
why does ywn feel a need to remove any decent comment i post?