Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Bloomberg Slams Bill Protecting Parking Scofflaws
By
Rachel Pincus
Published Jul 26, 2010
Modified Jul 26, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Rachel Pincus
Published Jul 26, 2010
Modified Jul 26, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A new bill soon to land on Governor Paterson's desk would allow drivers who've blown off their parking fines to park in city streets without fear of being towed. It's sponsored by none other than State Senator and Manhattan Attorney General hopeful Eric Schneiderman, who has been criticized himself for being a lousy backseat driver.
According to the Daily News, the bill in question is meant to "protect people in bankruptcy or financial crisis from losing their last dollar to creditors, putting items out of creditors' reach like homes worth less than $150,000 and wedding rings worth less than $1,000." Cars worth less than $4000 after outstanding loans would be protected, so owners of heavily-financed sports cars like Lamborghinis could one day have a double-parking parade without fear of towing.
Mayor Bloomberg says the bill will cost city taxpayers $50 million a year, and blasted it in a Q&A with reporters this morning. "I can't imagine a bad, a worse bill,” he said. “This is a bill that will kill people... If nobody follows the parking restrictions because they know their car's not going to get towed away, they'll start parking in front of fire hydrants. Firefighters can't get the water they need... they'll be parking at intersections. This is just a terrible piece of legislation, and I can only, the only possible rationale for it is as a campaign thing, and it's a disgrace." That's right, he said "disgrace," which means it's time to do a shot if you're playing along with the Bloomberg drinking game!
Tagged
eric schneiderman
mayor bloomberg
parking
parking scofflaw
tickets
Rachel Pincus
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
A bill facing a hearing Monday would require cooling tower owners to notify city health officials when bacteria levels reach a much lower threshold.
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD identifies Bronx man, 26, killed in Midtown subway shooting
By
Ryan Kost
,
Elizabeth Kim
and
Phil Corso
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .