Neighbors along East 149th Street in the Longwood section of the Bronx say illegally parked commercial trucks have taken over their block, leaving residents with limited parking options and raising safety concerns.
Residents say the problem has persisted for nearly a year, forcing drivers to circle the block multiple times just to find a parking space.
“I got to drive like, 10 times around the block before I find parking because the trucks are always here,” said Edwin Lebron, who lives nearby.
Lebron says the trucks, many with commercial plates, often line both sides of the street, leaving little room for residents and sometimes forcing double parking.
“People in the area cannot park because the trucks are parked,” Lebron said.
Neighbors say the congestion creates safety risks, particularly for emergency vehicles and elderly residents.
According to city data, more than 50 illegal parking complaints have been filed in the area over the past five months through the city’s 311 system. Residents say they have not seen meaningful enforcement.
The trucks are also affecting sanitation services, neighbors say, with garbage building up around the vehicles.
“Sanitation cannot clean,” Lebron said. “They cannot clean because they don’t move.”
Several of the trucks belong to Milea, a nearby dealership. The owner told News 12 the increase in trucks is due to the holiday season and said residents should notice fewer vehicles lining the street next week.
The Department of Sanitation said it only has the authority to tow vehicles that are damaged or missing license plates. Other parking enforcement falls under the NYPD. DSNY also said it will look into litter complaints in the area.
News 12 has reached out to the NYPD for comment and has not yet received a response.