Cops Crack Down On Illegally Parked Trucks Near Washington Cemetery

Police cracked down on commercial vehicles illegally parked on 21st Avenue running through Washington Cemetery on Sunday, issuing tickets to all trucks parked between 53rd Street and 57th Street.

Previously, we wrote about problems caused by trucks parked on the Bay Parkway side of the cemetery. Not only do the noisy trucks use up residential parking spots, disrupt funerals, and leave unwanted trash in the area, but local lawmakers say they also create a public safety hazard.

The blocks alongside the cemetery are long and desolate and large trucks block the view of pedestrians from the street, creating an unsafe zone, says Councilman David Greenfield. To rectify the problem, Greenfield has secured additional lighting for 21st Street and asked Deputy Inspector Mike Deddo to crackdown on the ongoing problem with a ticketing blitz – which was carried out by officers from the 66th precinct Sunday night.

“Commercial parking alongside Washington Cemetery is not only illegal, but it creates a dangerous condition for residents and pedestrians,” said Greenfield. “Unfortunately at this location there is simply a culture of abusing the law and it’s going to take many more tickets to eradicate this problem. My thanks to the 66th Precinct and Deputy Inspector Mike Deddo for their efforts last night.”

In addition, the councilman has requested that the Department of Transportation install “no commercial parking” signs on 21st Avenue, along with traffic lights or stop signs at 57th Street and 53rd Street to address speeding problems.