GRIDLOCK SAM
Sunday, April 18 - Saturday, April 24
ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING RULES ARE IN EFFECT ALL WEEK
Crash Alert for Tuesday, April 20, aka 420 — the unofficial holiday celebrating marijuana! With the recent legalization of the leaf in N.Y., I expect this year to be especially festive. It’s still illegal and dumb to get behind the wheel high, but be wary of stoned drivers on the roads, especially in the afternoon and evening. A parade marking the occasion kicks off at 2 p.m. from 125th St. and Lexington Ave., and will proceed down Lex to 111th St. The weather’s supposed to be clear (except for smoke), so I’d also anticipate more spontaneous gatherings starting at precisely 4:20 p.m. at grassy locales around the city.
Earth Day is Thursday! Join Gridlock Sam and leave your car at home. Don’t buy into all the media hype on how unsafe the subways are; since the start of the year dozens have been killed on the roads. You’re much safer underground and you will do your bit to save the planet.
It’s an early start in the Bronx as the Yanks take on the Braves at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday at The Stadium, meaning fan traffic will merge with the evening rush hour of 5 to 6 p.m.
The Knicks host Charlotte Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Atlanta at 8 p.m. Wednesday. The Philadelphia Flyers flock to MSG to take on the Rangers Thursday at 7 p.m.
You can get it all at the mall —including a vaccine. A new site for shots is now open at the Queens Center Mall. Watch for additional traffic around the intersection of Queens Blvd. and Woodhaven Blvd.
MAILBAG Dear Gridlock Sam,
I was ticketed for an improperly displayed license plate, but my plates are both in good shape! Why was I issued a violation? On what basis should I appeal?
Dear Al,
Thanks for the photos and copy of the summons. Your plates are fine, but I suspect the traffic agent cited you for the Subaru dealer plate frame which half-covers “Garden State” with the dealer’s name. I suggest you replace the frames if you are going to park on NYC streets. The good news for you is that the agent did not specify if it was the front or back plate, so challenge the summons saying “it does not state which license plate was in violation.” Judges will often dismiss on those grounds. Readers, check you own plate frames to avoid this nuisance ticket.