Authorities Crack Down On Illegal Parking Around Harvey Park

COLLEGE POINT, QUEENS — Police are cracking down on trucks and trash haulers illegally parking around Harvey Park in Queens.

City Council Member Paul Vallone and officers from the NYPD's 109th Precinct have teamed up to put a stop to commercial trucks, tractor-trailers and garbage trucks parking at all hours outside the park, in violation of city parking rules for commercial vehicles, according to a news release.

The presence of the massive trucks had prompted safety concerns among some who frequent the park, including the Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League, whose members use the fields for youth sports.

“Commercial trucks constantly lined up along the perimeter of the park decrease visibility and pose a risk to pedestrians seeking safe access to this popular greenspace,” Vallone said. “I thank Commanding Officer John O’Connell and the 109th Precinct for their attention to this issue and look forward to our continued partnership.”

Police officers have recently handed out 15 summonses to illegally parked truck drivers, according to Vallone's office.

“We will continue to address this issue and make sure any illegally parked trucks/trailers will be issued summonses," NYPD Captain John L. O’Connell, commanding officer of the 109th Precinct, said in a statement.

Harvey Park runs parallel to the Whitestone Expressway and 144th Street between 14th Avenue and 20th Avenue.