Councilman David G. Greenfield successfully fought on behalf of more than a dozen Borough Park residents who were unfairly issued parking tickets as a result of construction work that was taking place on their block. Because of Councilman Greenfield’s advocacy, these drivers will not have to pay the $115 fine they received from the NYPD and the tickets have been dismissed.

The situation began this past December, when the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) began work to repair existing sewer lines and install a new water main, catch basins and manholes along 55th Street in Borough Park. The contractor hired by the city installed a “No Standing” sign on the block and wrote “6 AM to 6 PM” on it in black marker. Unfortunately, the NYPD and traffic agents ignored the hand-written time stipulation and issued parking tickets to at least 15 residents. After inquiries from Councilman Greenfield, the DDC determined that a sign stating “No Standing 7 AM to 4 PM Monday to Friday” should have been installed at the site, which would have allowed residents to park there each evening once work was complete for the day.

In light of the evidence provided by Councilman Greenfield to DDC on behalf of the residents, the DDC instructed the New York City Department of Finance to dismiss all tickets issued to drivers during the week that work was taking place on that block. This occurred after Councilman Greenfield’s staff compiled all of the relevant information about the construction project and the signage that had been incorrectly posted and then sent a letter of support to the Finance Department on behalf of the drivers to ensure the tickets were dismissed.

“It’s hard enough to avoid tickets in New York City without having to contend with wrong signage. It was obviously incredibly unfair to hold these drivers accountable for tickets they did not deserve in the first place, so I am glad that the various city agencies worked with me to rectify this situation. My office is here to assist anyone who has been unfairly issued a ticket and to fight on behalf of constituents who need help dealing with any and all city agencies,” said Councilman Greenfield.

Serving the needs of the constituents of Borough Park, Midwood and Bensonhurst is Councilman Greenfield’s top priority. Anyone who received a ticket on 55th Street between 12th Avenue and 13th Avenue from December 10 to 16 that has not yet been dismissed should contact Councilman Greenfield’s office at (718) 853-2704.