Belleville Senior Citizen: Saving Parking Places In A Snowstorm Is OK

BELLEVILLE, NJ — The following letter to the editor comes courtesy of Belleville resident Kathy Mackie, in response to our article, “Hey Essex County: Is It Fair To Save Parking Spaces In A Snowstorm?”

“It seems that every adult person in households today, owns a car or truck. Belleville is no exception. Many homes do not have driveways. Or, if you live on a main road, such as Belleville Avenue, you are required to park on a side street.

“There are no options in this case and that's how it is. We have played the save-a-space game for 36 years. Living on Belleville Avenue, we are forced to park on Prospect Place. (Again, no option). Our neighbors, are all dears and have always respected our shoveled out spots. Once in a while, there is an exception and tempers have flared. But for the most part, things have gone well.

“We are up in age now (seniors) and it has gotten harder and longer to shovel out our spot, after every storm. Not to mention that, as seniors, we are quite worried about our health, our hearts and backs. We walk on egg shells to shovel our spot, in fear of falling.

“Usually we do not move our vehicle… so as to keep our spot. I probably speak for many seniors in the same boat. Maybe a boat would be the wiser way to travel (or canoe or raft)… ha ha.

“I vote that we be let to reserve our spots, during times of Mother Nature's wrath. Although, using golf clubs, is a bit extreme, to save a spot. What harm can come, if we use a garbage can now and then? The garbage has to be put out twice a week anyway.

“Belleville is a beautiful village the other three seasons of the year. Tally-ho and have shovel, will travel. Is springtime coming around the bend? Sure hope so!”

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