To the Editor:
I am writing this letter to highlight Bayonne parking laws regarding commercial vehicle parking. The law states that all commercial vehicles can park only at designated parking lots after successfully buying a day/night ($75/ $35) permit from the city of Bayonne. Commercial vehicles can be parked on the street for up to three hours. If one parks a commercial vehicle on the street for more than three hours, then the Bayonne Parking Authority issues a ticket. If one parks a commercial vehicle on the street overnight then the Bayonne Police Department issues a ticket.
I am a Bayonne resident and drive a TLC- Car in NYC. I have been living in Bayonne for the past five years. I live on West 33rd Street (deadend) and the nearest designated lot, where I can park with a permit, is on 33rd Street between Broadway and Ave E. Every time I do on-the-street parking, I am risking getting a ticket because what if I forget to move my car before the three- hour period ends.
I’d be happy to get a parking permit, but walking from my house to the designated parking lot just doesn’t make sense. I think I should not be required to walk that far every time I need access to my car. This is the only vehicle I have, and I also use this vehicle to perform my noncommercial duties such as getting groceries or going to my other job (which is in Bayonne).
The City of Bayonne issues parking permits to nonresidents who work in Bayonne, and the fee for that is $150 annually, and they get to park on the street. As a resident of Bayonne, I am required to get a permit, which would be $1,320 annually ($110 monthly for day and night) and then I can only park at designated lots.
Every time I visit my family in downtown, I have to move my car every three hours in order to avoid a ticket. So far I have spoken to the City Clerk’s office, the Parking Supervisor Linda from the Bayonne Parking Authority, Deputy Chief Nevins from Bayonne Police Department, and Councilman Gary Le Pelusa. I have contacted the mayor’s office, and the front desk lady told me to come in on June 6.
I have emailed the mayor’s office, and I am still waiting for someone to get back to me. I know the laws exist, and one should obey them but as a resident I don’t think I should be charged $1,320 annually and walk three to four avenues every time I need my car. I think it’s unfair when I am required to only park at a designated lot after getting a paid permit, whereas a large family can get an on-street parking permit for every single car in the household. Right now I keep on moving my car every three hours in order to avoid a ticket from city. I believe the city will find a possible solution as soon as possible and I can only hope for the best.
ZAIN BHATTI
