Parking Space Fights Spark Controversy in Queens
The recent street fight over parking spaces in Queens has reignited an ongoing debate about the appropriateness of reserving public street spots with personal belongings.
“No, it’s not okay. If you don’t have a car, don’t stand there,” stated Daniel Rosario, 52, from the Upper East Side, who parks on the streets. He believes that public spaces should be accessible to everyone. “This is a public parking area. If they’re not using it, we need the space,” he added.
The comments surfaced after a violent encounter involving driver Jada McPherson, captured on video. In the clip, McPherson confronts a mother-daughter pair, 45-year-old Andrea Dumitre and 21-year-old Sabrina Starman, who attempted to park in a spot McPherson was allegedly “guarding” with his body.
The altercation took place at 18-28 Putnam Avenue. An unidentified man reportedly joined in on the aggression but fled the scene before authorities arrived.
McPherson, unable to find another parking spot, returned to inform the duo that claiming spots with one’s body wasn’t acceptable. This prompted a furious reaction, with the mother and daughter reportedly hurling racist remarks at him.
While many New Yorkers are accustomed to circling around blocks for parking, they acknowledge an unspoken set of rules surrounding these spaces.
“Honestly, what about if you have a friend just turning the corner?” one driver mused.
“But that’s just how life is here in New York—territory disputes… I get it, but it’s not something I’ve really thought through until now,” the driver continued.
Mika Cook-Wraight, 25, feels the stress over parking is real but not worth risking safety. “I try to avoid the drama. I would never stand in front of a car here because of how people drive,” she noted.
Originally from Boston, Cook-Wraight suggested that leaving chairs or cones might be effective in reserving a space without confrontation.
Authorities later arrested Starman and Dumitre, charging them with first-degree assault and second-degree harassment. Following an onslaught of online threats, the duo expressed remorse for their actions.
