In the picture above, a space has been shoveled out – and a person, I assume the person who cleared it, has “reserved” the space. The question: “Is this practice appropriate?”
If you ask the folks running for mayor of Chicago, they will tell you that, yes, it is appropriate. It seems there is no law against reserving these spaces in Chicago, and since it’s a tradition, it’s OK. They are going for the snow shoveler vote. Front runner Rahm Emanuel, who doesn’t have a house in Chicago, was quoted as saying his lawn chairs are in the basement, but he would bring them out.
I know a fellow who dug out the parking space in front of his condo at the high Sierra ski resort at Mammoth. He drove away for a day of skiing. When he returned, he found another car in the space. He promptly took a shovel and filled the car with snow. He certainly felt it was his right to reserve that space.
I just walked down the hall and took a quick survey of some staff that had lived in Cleveland, Chicago, and Buffalo. The majority opinion was that it was common courtesy to leave a spot that had been dug out to the person who dug out the spot. I have dcleared a few driveways and its hard work. I certainly sympathize with the person with the shovel. I go with “courtesy.”
If you didn’t do the work, you don’t get the space. Seems fair. However I think that better than a lawn chair, a sign might be appropriate. “I cleared this space. I will be back. If you park there, leave you phone number on your windshield and I will call you to move your car when I return.” 20 years ago, no one had cell phones. Now everyone does.
Why should I care if someone parks in my space when I’m not there? However when I get back I want to be able to park in my space.
JVH
