William Carmody, Aaron Helgevold, Kevin Martinez, Marcos Martinez,
Vikki Mosato, Naile Pelinkovic, and Bonnie Wu
Theology 2320
Rev. Flanagan
February 4, 2005
“See, Judge, Act” project part I
Parking has always been a problem for New York City residents. The abundance of people and their modes of transportation combined with the lack of space leadsto a major problem for many New York City residents and commuters. This problem has been addressed many times in recent years through news reports and other publicity forays, but the problem remains. In our presentation we will concentrate on the parking issues in New York City, with our major focus in the borough of Manhattan. What exactly do you mean by “parking issues?” I am hoping you are going to define this more specifically in the forthcoming paragraphs. Too, why just Manhattan? Are there advantages to focusing in on a particular borough? How will you deal with the reality of being cast in the same light as “Manhattan Mike” Bloomberg which has only hurt his future hopes?
A lack of parking for commercial deliveries and other tasks
leads to double-parking. Does double parking work? Isn’t it a “cultural thing?” This only further congests New York’s
already busy streets and causes more parking and traffic difficulties.
Traffic “gridlock” often occurs on New York streets, no only
because of the number of cars traveling somewhere, but also because of the
number of cars that illegally park and end up congesting the streets. What happened to “don’t block the box”enforcement?
Parking garages such as this Icon garage can charge ridiculously
high prices for the convenience of a safe and sheltered parking space. What makes them ridiculous? Aren’t they entitled to making a living considering insurance and rent of their own? You have already made a judgement call here, be careful.
the high prices however deter many people from taking advantage of the
open spaces underground and instead look for cheaper parking on the street.
Not only has the lack of parking spaces caused entrepreneurs to look
below the city, but also to build above current parking lots. Wouldn’t you? This picture of
a parking lot in Lower Manhattan is a great example. Although generally
less expensive than their underground counterparts these facilities can still be
too costly for many New Yorkers.
This is another example of the above ground parking structures
that are seemingly sprouting from the pavement in many areas of Manhattan.
As one can see parking at this particular lot is over $8 per hour, prohibitively
expensive for many. “Many” ? “Many” is a nebulous term and often understood as a “sweeping generalization.” Get the facts/stats.
Dealing with the occasionally snow fall here in the Northeast only adds
to the parking problems. Because plows must be able to clear the streets,
alternate side parking presents yet another problem. The hassle of moving
one’s car can be forgotten and cause further traffic problems. The city has a “grace period” does it not before cars absolutely have to be moved? Why is snow such a tour de force in the city as opposed to other cities?
The lack of available parking even causes some rebellious souls
to explore the sidewalks and walkways in search of premium space. Never knew that.
The problems associated with this range form ticketing, to unsafe walkways,
to fender benders with those parked legally.
Excellent work. Garner some more hard data to support your already fine observations and you are well on the way the right track. Be sure to focus on a particular question.