Dispatches from PARK(ing) Day Parklet on Fell Street.
by Andrew Dalton on September 17, 2010As we mentioned yesterday today is PARK(ing) Day, where a bunch of people around the city will be occupying parking spaces in the name of reclaiming public green space, etc, etc. We could sit around and declare this a Bike People vs. Car People thing or whatever, but at the end of the day, it was just nice to see neighbors out in the street being friendly to strangers and such. The slideshow below is the scene from earlier today, about 1:30 – 2:30pm when the misty wet thing was about at it’s worst. Even though the Fell Street location that Fix Fell and the Wigg Party set up won’t get the same midday traffic as a metered spot downtown, they’re expecting a nice turnout during the evening commute. Of course, we’ll update you if anything wacky goes down at the Arco this evening.
[*Full disclosure: I rode my bike there, get over it.]
Hey Park(ing) people:
I understand you may not have jobs which is why you’re able to sit on the street in the middle of the day on a Friday, but many of us have jobs and work places where we need cars to get to them. Coming home Friday night and seeing you taking up multiple parking spaces when we’ve worked 50 hour weeks and have been driving around 30+ minutes searching for just one makes you look like assholes. You want green space? Try Golden Gate park. You live in a city, there are cars, deal with it.
Hey dood, I worked 14 hours today and I fully respect these people’s efforts. There are more ways of getting around the city then your car. Maybe you should try a bicycle, seeing that you work 50 hours/wk, it might help with the stress and hey, it’s a work out too. Don’t want to be sweaty for meetings? There’s this magical thing called MUNI. Who looks like the asshole now?
You still do, Nikilips.
Sometimes you’re the windshield, sometimes you’re the bug…
Sorry dood and Rob Anderson Nikilips wins here. My credentials win.
signed Betty White
Possibly the best curb couch since Lyon St 2007:
http://picasaweb.google.com/parkingdayphila/ParkIngDayPhilly2010?feat=flashslideshow#5519402132378282530
@Dood – Some people believe we shouldn’t sacrifice beautiful public space so that you park near your house. Why is convenience for you more important than parks for the neighborhood?
@ Former Panhandler: How about you use Alamo Sq. park (1 block away) or Golden Gate Park (2 blocks away)? Why penalize people who need cars to commute long distances?
@ Niklips: I work OUTSIDE of the city, therefore MUNI is not an option.
I have nothing against bikes, having worked in bike shops for 5 years of my life and ridden them much longer. I, like many other neighborhood residents, happen to have a job outside of the city, thus necessitating a car. Do you think by taking up limited parking resources you could be angering those who would otherwise be fighting alongside you? Why don’t you simultaneously campaign for more parking in SF? Perhaps an underground garage? I hate to break it to you, but cars aren’t going anywhere any time soon.
@dood
I don’t think people believe they’re going to get rid of cars. . . pretty sure we’re all bright enough to know that’s not the issue here. Also, these people are “taking up limited parking resources,” for one day. Are you seriously that annoyed with maybe having to walk farther or look for parking longer? Clearly you wouldn’t be fighting alongside these people anyway, I think people who’d “fight alongside” them wouldn’t get pissed off over a parking spot for one evening. Jesus Christ.
What makes you think you’re so entitled to a parking spot? Many people do work outside the city but that doesn’t make them entitled to one. If you want your own spot then DON’T LIVE IN THE CITY. I have a car and I live on Clement St/2nd, sometimes I feel like I search for parking more than I sleep …but I’m glad to live in a city that will constantly remind me that there’s always a better way than taking my car. I wouldn’t take a job that I need to commute to, ever.
haha oops this thread was like two months ago. sorry.
The only issue I have is the fact that people would use more petrol driving around, thus more polution in the air, especially when you consider how much polution is created by cars already. Tis a shame there couldn’t be a bus route that is allowed to deviate slightly just for that day. That would hopefully encourage people to not drive their car, thus not be upset by people taking the car spaces, and minimising fumes.
Just a thought. Not meaning to sound know-all or annoying.
haha oops this thread was like two months ago. sorry.