Demanding Answers: CBS2 Gets Action On Illegal Truck Parking In South Ozone Park
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- CBS2 demanded answers and got action for frustrated residents in a Queens neighborhood.
For months they have complained about illegally parked trucks along South Conduit Avenue in South Ozone Park.
Drivers said the trucks posed a danger because they blocked views of oncoming traffic.
But after our stories on Sunday and Monday and complaints from residents, the NYPD tweeted saying the trucks had all been moved.
In response to community complaints in regards to commercial trucks parking on the South Conduit Avenue causing a hazardous condition for motorists all trucks have been moved. pic.twitter.com/fkTYnhIa4U
— NYPD 106th Precinct (@NYPD106Pct) January 14, 2020
However, according to residents at least one of the trucks was moved a mile away.
The NYPD said it would continue to monitor the area.
Earlier, CBS2's Lisa Rozner saw a truck at the corner near 127th Street in South Ozone Park, one of several that had residents fuming because they say they are often parked there for days, which according to New York City is illegal.
MORE: Residents In Queens Neighborhood Fume Over Big Trucks Parked Illegally
Rozner saw one detached flatbed that has been parked in the area for three months. A note put on the windshield asked this driver to stop parking there.
"Please come do something about it. It's ridiculous. My taxpayer dollars aren't doing anything," resident Sonia Pabon had said.
After Rozner contacted the NYPD on Sunday night, several $65 summonses for illegal parking were issued. But on Monday there was no action on multiple 311 complaints asking the city to put "no standing" signs on South Conduit Avenue between 124th and 127th streets. The claims dated back to September. One resident who wanted to remain anonymous told CBS2 when he had confronted truckers, "I was told mind your own business. Show me the sign where it says I can't park here."
MORE: Demanding Answers: Almost A Year Later, Residents Say DSNY Trucks Still Stinking Up East Village
Drivers said turning onto South Conduit Avenue is also a gamble.
"When you going many times you have people going 'honkkk' and you nearly get into an accident," resident Kevin Ragu said. "When you turn out you can't see nothing. That truck is huge."
New York City announced recently it is expanding its Vision Zero initiative to make streets safer, so Rozner asked the Department of Transportation why had been taking so long to address residents' concerns.
MORE: Police On Staten Island Cracking Down On People Illegally Reserving Parking Spots
On Monday morning, Rozner requested an on-camera interview to demand answers. In the afternoon, a spokesperson told her the agency was working on arranging it.
But ultimately, right before CBS2's deadline, a spokesperson e-mailed Rozner saying the Department of Transportation would look into removing parking spots that are close to curbs. It could include signage, but Rozner was told city traffic laws already outlaw parking for more than three hours.
Residents said they hoped the city would act before someone got hurt.
And on Monday night, the NYPD's 106th Precinct did just that.