Bills Point of View:
Great-Grand \”Pappy\” Cleary told me a tale about a time when horse and wagon were the means of transportation in Gloucester City. He said residents were not allowed to park on the buggy path on two days of the month.
Pappy said, \”On those days between the hours of 1 PM – 3 PM employees from the Public Works Department could be seen walking the cobble streets with a broom cleaning up after the horses.\”
I thought the story was just a tale. That is until the other day when I discovered this sign. The writing on it is barely visible because of the rust. But if you look real close it appears to say No Parking on the 2nd – 4th Thurs. Pappy passed away in 1970 at the age of 102. If he was still here I would have to ask how people remembered if it was the 2nd or 4th Thursday. Did everyone carry a calendar in their back pockets?
Pappy also told me he was faster than a speeding train, and could leap tall buildings. But I will save that story for another time.
If you are interested, the sign can be found near the intersection of Miller Avenue and Weston Avenue. I am hoping Mayor James will instruct Public Works Superintendent James Johnson to take the sign down and give it to the City Historical Society. It should be preserved for future generations.
Speaking of No Parking signs were you aware that residents living on certain streets are not subjected to the $25 fine for parking their cars in the street on sweeper days?
That is correct.
Those who reside on Miller, Weston, Clover, Goldy Drive, Edwards Drive, Gehrig, Park Avenue, Batezel, Spruce, Cypress, Maple, Walnut, Chestnut, Oriental, Holly, Thompson, Sherwood, Greenwood, Rosalind, Highland Blvd., Sylvan, and Orlando get a free pass. Mind you the residents are not doing anything wrong. There are no signs on any of these streets (except for the one in the photo) warning residents about No Parking like there are in other areas of our City.
It makes one wonder how long this has been allowed to exist? What City official/Department was responsible in instituting the policy in the first place? Why is it some residents have to worry about moving their cars two days a week or be fined; and other residents are given a free pass.
If we look at the condition and wording on the sign in the photo I would surmise it has existed for decades. What is your guess?
Mayor and members of council have told me to be patient. New signs are coming. And changes in the No Parking ordinance may also be on the horizon.
What is your opinion?
More Bill\’s Point of View
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