On Friday, Fox 29’s Claudia Gomez exposed an illegal parking lot that had become a trouble spot in Old City. Once confronted with Claudia’s questions, he closed up shop and left – suspending his “operation.”
This is just one example of a widespread problem throughout Philadelphia. It is estimated that there are 400 or so illegal lots in Philly. All of those lots are going un-taxed, costing the city a few million dollars a year.
The Philadelphia Parking Association, which represents approximately 85% of the legal operators in the city put together a report, identifying the lot “owners” who are not playing by the rules.
One such lot is the lot right near Finnegan’s Bar, on N. 3rd St. The tell-tale signs of an unlicensed lot: it is not paved, there is very little signage and no drainage.
There is also on right on Broad Street across from the Kimmel Center.
L & I, the agency that monitors unlicensed lots, does not have a single inspector dedicated this situation. The Mayor’s office says L & I just does not have the manpower to spare.
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