Neighborhoods Above Manhattan’s Toll Zone Feel Parking Pinch

Residents in parts of Upper Manhattan are frustrated. Since New York City started charging drivers to enter certain parts of the city, their streets have turned into parking nightmares. Many commuters are avoiding the new $9 toll by parking their cars in these neighborhoods and taking public transport into the busiest areas of Manhattan. Where parking was once hard to find, it’s now becoming a serious issue. People like nurse Thomas Hurt, who lives in Washington Heights, are spending hours just to find a spot. He’s seen many cars with New Jersey license plates taking up the limited parking spots.

Things have gotten worse in the last week. Cristian Romarion, a project manager, said he’s seen fights over parking spots almost every day. He double-parks his Jeep, waiting for a space to open up. The Upper West Side is also facing the same problem. Doorman Waddit Cruz says he used to find parking easily, but now he has to drive around for at least half an hour every day. Some people from New Jersey are even affecting nearby basics like the Staten Island Railway, causing crowding at park and rides. Residents and commuters are struggling to adapt. Some New Jersey drivers are now planning to park in Upper Manhattan and take the subway, which is cheaper than paying the toll.

Actions