COBBLE HILL — Trader Joe's shoppers won't be allowed to park their cars in front of the popular grocery store's Court Street location, effective immediately, after the Department of Transportation turned the strip into a no parking zone to stamp out rampant double parkers, the agency said.
The DOT installed No Standing regulations on a portion of Court Street between Atlantic Avenue and Boerum Place, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, including Sundays, said Nicholas Mosquera, a spokesman for the DOT.
The new No Standing regulation affects the three parking spaces in front of Trader Joes, located at 100 Court St., Mosquera said.
“This change…will provide space for quick pick-ups and drop-offs and address the congestion and safety concerns created by frequent double parking in the area,” Mosquera said.
Double-parking has been a rampant problem throughout the neighborhood, but especially in front of Trader Joes, said Dave "Paco" Abraham, vice president of the Cobble Hill Association.
Cars double parked in front of the grocer reduces street visibility for drivers seeking to turn onto Court Street from Atlantic Avenue, Abraham said.
“Obviously there are a lot of people coming to Trader Joes on foot, but many still need a car — whether it’s a personal car or a car service,” Abraham said. “[Double parking] happens a lot throughout the community, but we can't over look the dangers it can cause.”
During the past few months, the CHA brought the issue to the agency’s attention, and was presented to both Community Boards Two and Six, said Abraham.
When representatives from the agency observed the intersection for themselves, they agreed that something needed to be done about it, Abraham said.
“The agency will continue to monitor the area and review the effectiveness of the new regulations," Mosquera said.
