The hi-rise I live in was designed in the 1920s by a Russian-born architect who did not envision how important cars would become. The building with 24 units has space for just 19 cars in its garage.
This in a neighborhood where, today, couples are rumored to break up over . . . parking. That’s how tough finding a street spot can be.
We knew when we bought here that the wait for a garage space would be 5 to 10 years. That was back in 2006. Our hopes rose in 2008 when a number of units went up for sale—but then real estate slowed with the economic crisis.
Meanwhile we pay to park our car at a garage a block away. Every morning we go there to collect the car, bring it back to our garage (where we’re allowed to park during the day), and return it to its paid spot at night—arrangements that weigh down everyday chores like grocery shopping or the fun of going out impulsively at night.
On the upside, we’ve become less car-reliant. We take mass transit, walk if we can, grab a cab if we must. Over time, these ways have come to seem natural. Having a spot in our own garage—now that will be strange.
Harley says
I live in a tight car spot area too–can appreciate what you go through.
Celia says
I wish I could give up my car completely, but I’m not quite there. The upside of living right in the heart of things is that I do tend to drive very little, much less than I would if I lived in the suburbs or a smaller town,
Janet says
Your blog is interesting because it tells of such a different life than mine.
Celia says
That’s what’s great about blogging, isn’t it? One of my favorite blogs is by a guy who rides around Colorado on his Harley taking pictures of old barns and houses and farm animals.