PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. (Warren County) — Police are reminding residents that public street parking is first-come, first-served after responding to a dispute over snow-cleared parking spaces following the recent winter storm.
In a public notice, the Phillipsburg Police Department said officers were called to a recent incident involving residents attempting to reserve on-street parking spots they had shoveled out.
Police emphasized that no one owns a public parking space, even if they cleared it of snow.
“Public street parking is first-come, first-served — regardless of who shoveled it out,” the department said.
While acknowledging that parking can be limited after a storm, police encouraged residents to be considerate.
“We understand parking can be limited. If you know a resident cleared a spot for themselves and other parking is available nearby, please try to be a good neighbor and use the other space when possible,” the department said.
Officers also warned against vandalism in response to someone parking in a cleared space.
“If someone parks in a spot you cleared and you choose to vandalize their vehicle in any way, you will be investigated and held accountable,” the department said.
Police added that items placed in the roadway to reserve spaces — including chairs, cones, tables, buckets or other objects — may be discarded or removed and could result in a municipal ordinance violation.
“Property left in the street for this purpose is considered abandoned, and its removal by another person does not constitute theft,” the department said.
Officials urged residents to avoid escalating disputes over parking.
“We know everyone put in hard work digging out from this storm — but no one owns a public parking space. Let’s keep the peace and avoid turning a snow pile into a police matter,” the department said.
Police thanked residents for their cooperation and consideration of neighbors.
