In New York City, street parking (and overnight parking in particular) hasn’t always been as common as it is today – in fact, NYC used to be geared more towards movement and pedestrians. Bans on permanent parking were in effect as early as the 1800s, and today, it is still illegal to park a car in the same spot for more than seven days in a row.  Through the years, regulations became more car-oriented and by the 1930s, drivers were permitted to park for up to one hour, and three hours after midnight. Overnight parking still wasn’t allowed, as streets were designed for transportation – sidewalks were wider, pedestrian routes were the focus, and most streets were wide enough to have large, planted areas. The Case Against Overnight Parking In the mid-1900s, there were few defenders of overnight parking. Police argued that it encouraged loitering and theft. Fire departments complained that hydrants were often blocked. Business owners remarked that it slowed traffic. It also made the streets harder to clean. Through the years, however the city’s population grew, and parking demands increased. Not to mention, garages were not as common as they are today, so street parking was the primary solution.

The New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) will launch a Pay-By-App Only Pilot program on August 28th, 2023 on 6th Avenue between 14th Street and 23rd Street. The pilot leverages the new ParkNYC app, which provides an enhanced platform for app-based parking payment. The redesigned ParkNYC app features an improved user experience and new and expanded user-friendly options, including both an e-Wallet and pay-per-transaction capabilities, as well as fleet management tools.  The program will evaluate a “meterless” or Pay-by-App Only approach to payment in this area and is representative of the DOT’s commitment to innovative and new curb management strategies. As part of this pilot, commercial vehicles parking along this portion of 6th Avenue will be required to pay using the ParkNYC mobile parking payment app as all physical meters will be removed from 11 blockfaces. Unique signage will be posted notifying commercial vehicles of the Pay-By-App Only spaces. What you need to know:   Individuals must pay for regulated parking using the ParkNYC app, NYC’s mobile app for metered parking payment. A pay-by-phone option will be available. Those wishing to pay by phone must first register on ParkNYCapp.com. After registering, call 800-428-4027 to pay by phone.   Motorists who prefer

New York is known for the Statue of Liberty, Broadway musicals, the best New York pizza–and the city where it can take hours of searching to find a parking spot. There is often high demand for street parking in Manhattan, particularly during rush hour, but there are a few neighborhoods with free or cheap parking if you know where to look. Here are some of the top Manhattan neighborhoods with a (mostly!) hassle-free parking experience: Roosevelt Island Did you know that Roosevelt Island has nearly 225 metered parking spaces, and parking garages that offer cheaper hourly parking than in Manhattan? It’s true–combine that with the fact that the island is easily accessible by public transportation. Roosevelt Island also discourages car ownership for locals which frees up street parking space.  Central Harlem Central Harlem is a great option for finding numerous street parking spaces as well as parking garages. Parking costs, ranging from $2-5 for a couple of hours, is relatively easy due to the mix of good transit options and low car ownership rates (Localize.city). Metered street parking is available along most Harlem streets, including Harlem River Drive, Adam Clayton Powell Jr Drive, Frederick Douglas Boulevard, and others. Free street

With its dense population and coastal location, New York City is no stranger to flooding, and climate change projections indicate that the frequency and severity of floods will only increase in the coming decades. As a car owner in this bustling metropolis, it’s essential to prepare for the risks of floodwaters. Taking care of your car during a flood can prevent costly repairs or even the total loss of your vehicle.  Here are some tips for taking care of your car during and after the flood: 1. Safety first! Avoid flooded areas as much as possible.  The most critical advice during a flood is to avoid flooded areas altogether. If you see water on the road, turn around and find an alternative route. Floodwaters can be deceiving and much more profound than they appear. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most flood-related deaths occur when vehicles are driven into floodwaters. Do not risk your life and your car. 2. Flash Floods are a Serious Threat Flash floods are hazardous because of their speed and destructive power. They can occur within minutes of heavy rainfall and give little warning. Densely populated areas like New York City are at

Even though it’s been raining lately, summer is not yet over! Whether you’re a local New Yorker or planning a visit to the city this weekend, we’ve curated a list of activities and places to spend quality time with your family this summer.  Take a Stroll on the High Line Enjoy a leisurely walk along the High Line, soaking in the breathtaking views of the city skyline. Sip coffee or bubble tea as you explore the unique public art installations and beautifully curated horticulture. Make sure to visit Chelsea Market nearby for a delicious bite when hunger strikes. Family Fun in Brooklyn Head over to the charming neighborhood of Dumbo, where you’ll find many family-friendly activities. Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you can play a game of Frisbee, go biking, roller skating, or ride on the iconic Jane’s Carousel. If you’re up for an adventure, try kayaking at the park while enjoying stunning New York City skyline views. Don’t worry about bringing food—Time Out Market has you covered with its diverse culinary offerings. Learn Something New Together Create lasting memories by learning something new. Sign up for a cooking class at Sur La Table, where you can master new culinary

Keeping a car in New York City presents both advantages and challenges. On the one hand, it offers the freedom of shopping without delivery hassles and the ability to leave the city at will, without relying on train schedules. However, owning a car in NYC comes with significant drawbacks and aggravations. Finding parking, dealing with heavy traffic, and complying with street parking regulations can be stressful and time-consuming. Despite New York City’s excellent public transportation system, 45% of households still own cars. If you’re new to the city, giving up car ownership might be difficult if you’re accustomed to having one. Deciding whether to own a car in NYC involves considering various factors. Owning a car in New York City offers several advantages, which explains why nearly half of the residents choose to have one.  It provides the freedom to travel at your convenience, allowing for spontaneous weekend getaways and reducing exposure to germs during the Covid-19 pandemic.  It enables flexibility in commuting, making it easier to drop off children at different locations, run errands, and travel between different parts of the city.  It allows for convenient storage of essential items, especially for those with weekend houses or frequent trips