NEW YORK, NY — Today,
Department of Transportation officials unveiled new signage and parking
meters in South Williamsburg to allow Orthodox Jewish motorists parking
on several streets within South Williamsburg to pay parking meters four
hours in advance on Friday evenings.
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| New signage installed, with the 4-hour parking on Fridays |
The new muni-meters, which will be located on Division
Avenue from Roebling Street to Driggs Ave, Division Avenue from Lee
Avenue to Roebling Street, Roebling Street from South 8th Street to South
9th Street, Roebling Street from South 9th Street to Division Avenue,
Roebling Street from Division Street to South 8th Street and Roebling
Street from Lee Avenue to Division Avenue, will now allow drivers to
pre-pay at 3pm on Friday for meters that are in effect until 7pm.
"South Williamsburg residents can rest easy knowing that
they no longer have to worry about getting a parking ticket, or being
towed, simply for observing their religious beliefs." said Council Member Levin (D-Greenpoint,
Williamsburg, Downtown Brooklyn). "This change is
vital for those who observe Shabbos and will greatly improve the quality
of life for those members of the community. I want to specifically thank
Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, the Department of Transportation and
Mayor Bill de Blasio for fulfilling a commitment made to the community
just two weeks ago during the District 33 Town Hall"
“As we embrace New York City’s
diversity, DOT is proud to expand the Shabbos Parking program to South
Williamsburg,” said DOT
Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Keith Bray. “This change
was both necessary and essential as it allows an enhanced quality of life
without financial burdens, as Shabbos observers can now park their cars
overnight without worrying about parking tickets and towing. We would
like to thank Council Member Levin for his persistence and dedication on
this important issue.”
“Thanks to DOT and Mayor de Blasio for realizing the importance of
changing parking meter regulations to accommodate Shabbos observers. New
York City prides itself on its diversity and this speaks to its
commitment to ensuring equal application of the laws, especially in the
context of religious observers. The community of Williamsburg will surely
benefit from this change” said Assembly
Member Joe Lentol (D-Greenpoint, Williamsburg, Fort Greene).
"We are grateful
to Mayor de Blasio and the DOT for finally easing the parking shortage
that Sabbath observers in Williamsburg faced, due to the meter
regulations on Friday evenings," said Rabbi David Niederman, President of
the UJO of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn. "This is
a mayor that understands and is sensitive to the unique needs of each and
every community, and the mayor's personal promise at a recent Town Hall
with Council Member Levin to have the meters changed - an issue that we
are raising for the longest time - and the quick execution of that
promise, is another example of the mayor's devotion and commitment to
meet the needs of all New Yorkers. Thank you!"
"I applaud the
City's decision to ensure that parking meters accommodate the needs of
New Yorkers who observe Shabbos," said Assemblymember Brian Kavanagh.
"In New York, we celebrate and respect diversity. I thank Council
Member Levin, Assembly Member Lentol, DOT Commissioner Trottenberg, and
all those who have worked to make this important community improvement
happen."
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