Local residents in Red Hook are increasingly frustrated with the growing number of illegally parked RVs and camper vans, raising significant concerns over safety and sanitation. With city regulations prohibiting RVs from parking in one spot for more than 24 hours, many residents like Frank Falcinelli are speaking out against the lack of law enforcement, stating that they would face tickets or towing if they violated similar rules. This discontent has led to proposals for stricter regulations.
There’s a sense of unfairness among residents in Red Hook as they point out the inconsistency in law enforcement. Frank Falcinelli noted, 'If I ran a generator 24/7, I would be ticketed. If I parked my car on the street and had no inspection stickers, if I had a trailer with no inspection sticker or registration, I would be towed.' The camper community around Red Hook Park appears to operate with leniency that frustrates long-term residents.
Queens Councilmember Robert Holden highlighted the broader implications of this issue by indicating that his district has faced similar parking problems, declaring, 'We have to do something about it.' He is actively promoting a new Council bill that proposes an overnight parking ban on RVs in residential areas, which he likens to existing bans for commercial vehicles, aiming to restore order and safety in affected neighborhoods.
While the NYPD has acknowledged the parking issues in Red Hook, the effectiveness of their response remains contentious. They reported issuing hundreds of parking violations this year, yet it remains unclear if these citations were for RV residents or other vehicles. Furthermore, the Department of Sanitation is expected to conduct sweeps for abandoned vehicles, suggesting a more proactive approach is in the pipeline.
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