| Author | Message | ||
     Meandtheboys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 167 Registered: 12-2004 |
I'd be happy with just a few 15 minute spaces, half dozen or so, 2 on each block? I would have no problem putting a dime in a meter (and letting someone else enjoy my leftover minutes) if I could make a quick run to drop off a video, pick-up a gallon of milk, or grab my "to go" order from whatever restaurant. Then again, you know there would be those that would abuse that too. And, as discussed on many threads here, there probably wouldn't be a cop around to enforce it.  | ||
| drewdix Citizen Username: Drewdix Post Number: 825 Registered: 7-2001 |
Meand I don't think you were hallucinating- I think what you describe that Friday night was the result of traffic problems, not parking ones. They're different. People parked illegally, people gridlocking things up waiting for a space in front of their destination to clear, these are traffic/driving issues. I just have never, ever "circled around" for 20 minutes. Or circled at all. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 5426 Registered: 1-2003  |
LilLB, you have illustrated that it's not a lack of parking, it's an excess of expectations. A quick errand isn't quick anywhere else, either. | ||
| LilLB Citizen Username: Lillb Post Number: 408 Registered: 10-2002  |
It's always a lot quicker in Millburn... | ||
| Meandtheboys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 168 Registered: 12-2004 |
I circle quite often actually. Perhaps 20 minutes is an exageration! And the point I was trying to make was that people were parked illegally because there was no where to park legally. The end result of which is a traffic jam. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 5427 Registered: 1-2003 |
How much quicker in Millburn? | ||
| Wendyn Supporter Username: Wendyn Post Number: 1352 Registered: 9-2002 |
Millburn has some pretty big lots on Essex Street in addition to the street spaces. Plus you can park at the Library lot if you are desparate. And Millburn Ave is wider (and one way) which means less traffic hang-ups than Maplewood, although a lot of Millburnites (not me) complain about the traffic there. | ||
| LilLB Citizen Username: Lillb Post Number: 409 Registered: 10-2002 |
Well, I haven't timed it Tom, but I think because they have large lots close to everything - it's not a problem. True, my expectations could be different, but I don't know - just seems quicker - I can find a spot faster and closer. I realize this whole argument is completely subjective, but unless I do a long-term study and walk around with a stop watch, I'm afraid that's all it will ever be. P.S. - I'm not advocating that we get bigger parking lots in Maplewood to match Millburn. Despite my disatisfaction with parking in Maplewood, I still love it just the way it is (minus a nail salon or two  ) | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 5429 Registered: 1-2003 |
I didn't mean to sound accusatory or interrogatory. You are confirming that this is a matter of perception. My guess is that the difference is about one or two minutes. That's not a lot, especially if you know it and are planning your day. But a minute of delay can be stressful if it's unplanned, unless you think about it carefully and realize, hey, it's only a minute. I can see two solutions. 1. Make it easier to find parking in Maplewood. (I don't think we need more parking spaces.) 2. Change people's perceptions so they realize that things aren't so bad. Number 2 is harder but might be worthwhile. Number 1 is easier but not altogether easy. Sorry for fixating on this, but I find the perception issue to be fascinating. Whenever I challenge people who complain about parking, it turns out to be that tiny delays are very frustrating, and that is a real problem, but better parking won't necessarily fix it. Maybe there should be a yoga mat or a massage station next to every parking space. | ||
| Bill P Citizen Username: Mrincredible Post Number: 30 Registered: 1-2005  |
Well, I know there's dedicated merchant parking (up behind the BCC), and I know people who've gotten ticketed for parking there. Is there not enough for the merchants? Me personally, I would not mind a small set of nickel parking meters for 15-minute parking at strategic locations in the village, but I know that's any idea which has been floated and shot down numerous times. However, it certainly would keep things moving in terms of parking downtown. Even if you don't have the nickel you could probably get in and out of a store quickly enough, but you're certainly not going to risk staying there all day. I also agree that traffic flow itself is a problem, which is why I often come in close to the center of town from the side streets, park out there, and walk. However, when it's twenty degrees out and I want my medium half-sausage pizza pie from Roman Gourmet to be hot when I get home it's nice when I can find a spot close enough to get in and out in a few minutes. Mmm ... pizza ... | ||
| LilLB Citizen Username: Lillb Post Number: 410 Registered: 10-2002 |
The perception thing is interesting Tom. I think about this when people report "slowness" issues with their PCs at work -- so I completely understand. On a related note - I have wondered about people who use valet parking at the Short Hills Mall. I see people standing there for a while waiting for their car - I wonder if they're really saving themselves time or are they simply doing it to save the aggravation of finding a spot? | ||
| shh Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 2156 Registered: 5-2001 |
Too many of the merchants don't use the lots. I have seen the employees of Kim's & Nail House driving in to town in minivans and park in the lot (and Kim's in front even!) and just move it every few hours. If you see a tan MPV w/ NY plates and I believe an Odyssey with NY plates, it's both of theirs. Very frustrating! | ||
| drewdix Citizen Username: Drewdix Post Number: 826 Registered: 7-2001 |
meand I respect you experience. And my point is that they are parked illegally in front of the Trattoria not because there was nowhere to park - but because they couldn't bear to park 90 seconds away. Just an inconsiderate choice. | ||
| doulamomma Citizen Username: Doulamomma Post Number: 269 Registered: 3-2002 |
I have not been to Carmelita's is a long time...my guac hopes were dashed one too many times. I seem to recall that there was a framed news article on the wall with a title something like "He'll Serve No Avocado Before Its Time", featuring the owner's pride over not serving certain types of imported avocados. I agree that while there might be a "best" time, the ones I bought at Whole Foods this weeks were just fine. I know there are many huge fans of Carmelita's - I'm not one of them, though I tried to be - really wanted to be. Mr. Doula & I have joked about sending anonymous notes (like kidnappers send with cut out letters) addressing the guac situation and also imploring them to check out Taqueria in Park Slope (our favorite)...my husband wants to hear sizzle when he goes in. That said, I hope business turns around for the owner, as he seems like a nice guy & makes good guac when the planets align, so to speak. With all this being written, maybe I'll give the place a try again. I love the idea of a Mapleweek... | ||
| Bill P Citizen Username: Mrincredible Post Number: 33 Registered: 1-2005 |
Whoops. Thanks, doulamomma, for the sudden thread drift correction. Do they have an online menu somewhere? Now I've got a hankerin' for some Mexican and I was thinking about takeout for dinner tonight anyway. I figure I'll call on my way home, and just park on the sidewalk in front of Kim's. Ho ho. But seriously ... burritos ... mmmm... | ||
| ril Citizen Username: Ril Post Number: 287 Registered: 6-2001 |
http://www.carmelitascafe.com/ | ||
| Lydia Supporter Username: Lydial Post Number: 913 Registered: 5-2001 |
Doula - when I lived in Hoboken and ate frequently at Carmelita's it was a point of pride that Carlos didn't serve guac unless the avocados were ideal. Sometimes (and I don't mean you specifically) I think that people around here are too picky about their restuarants. I'm not referring to genuine taste preferences, I mean people who are self-styled "foodies" who find fault in most local restaurants and wax nostalgic about what they're missing in NYC. I used to travel to Mexico often, and the food at Carmelita's tastes like the authentic Mexican food I remember. Mexican food is about simple fresh in-season ingredients made healthfully. Mexican food is usually not hot (pica hot) or deep-fried unless it's at some road-side place. Mexican cuisine sort of falls into the Chinese food trap. When I've been lucky enough to have "real" Chinese food it's not eggrolls and scallion pancakes, but that's what I grew up thinking Chinese food was. I'll wrap up this rant and put my money where my mouth is. Muchas gracias to Marian for bringing attention to Carmelita's plight - we're eating take-out from Carmelita's all this week! | ||
| Barbara Citizen Username: Blh Post Number: 428 Registered: 5-2001 |
We had a delicious dinner at Carmelita's tonight -- its my son's favorite restaurant, and his choice for his birthday dinner for the past few years. The salmon special was great! Carlos was very surprised to hear about Carmelita's Week -- and started thinking about what he could do that was special! Be sure to visit him! | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 5437 Registered: 1-2003 |
Might I run into Lydia at Carmelita's? | ||
| doulamomma Citizen Username: Doulamomma Post Number: 270 Registered: 3-2002 |
Lydia, Good points...I agree for the most part. I think El Bandito on Main St. in Orange may be to your liking too - they have all the tex mex fried/cheese stuff, but also authentic mexican stuff, at least what seems authentic to me & per your description. What I long for is the roasted corn that Taqueria in Brooklyn has - it's amazing on their tostada, along with the stewed/shredded chicken...we make the trip regularly to go back for it. And I'll put my money where my mouth is too... Speaking of Chinese/Asian...did anyone else notice that Sampan seems to have changed? (maybe I missed a whole thread about this!) Looks like it's "Ginger" something... |
