Why Car Storage in NYC is Looking More Desirable
If you drive into Manhattan regularly, you probably have “your” corner. Maybe it’s that last open space by the crosswalk near your office, or the spot you grab before a Broadway show. Under a new proposal in the New York City Council, those familiar corners may soon be empty on purpose. If that happens, many drivers will move from curbside habits to a parking garage NYC routine to stay on schedule.
The bill, known as Intro 1138 or the “universal daylighting” bill, would ban parking or standing within 20 feet of crosswalks at almost every intersection in the city. New York could lose roughly 300,000 curbside parking spots if the measure is fully implemented, or about 10 percent of the city’s free street parking.
What Does Universal Daylighting Mean?
If Intro 1138 passes, no one driving a vehicle will be able to park or keep it standing within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection. It won’t matter whether or not the crosswalk is marked.
The bill will also create so-called “daylighting barriers” at a minimum of 1,000 intersections. These barriers can take many forms, including benches, planters, or bike racks. Their purpose will be to block cars from sliding into corner spaces.
This isn’t necessarily a new thing for our city. You’ll find daylighting barriers at many intersections. The difference will be that, under the bill, the barriers will be “universal,” or everywhere. You’ll find them on almost every corner, in every borough.
Why Proponents Want This to Happen
You already know how treacherous walking around New York streets can be. According to the nonprofit group Transportation Alternatives, 90% of the 121 pedestrian deaths in 2024 occurred at intersections that did not have daylighting barriers. A significant portion of these deaths took place in the district of New York City Council member Julie Won, who introduced the universal daylighting bill.
What This Means for You
Quite simply, the scarcity of parking in Manhattan will increase significantly if Intro 1138 becomes city policy. Construction staging areas, delivery loading zones, bus and bike lanes, and more have slowly eaten up available parking. That problem could soon become much worse. You may have to leave earlier for work or other appointments to find a space. You can also expect paid parking prices to climb further to reflect supply and demand.
This is especially true in dense parts of Manhattan, where every legal spot is fought over, such as Midtown, the Upper East Side, and the Financial District. Pulling cars back 20 feet from the crosswalk on all four corners of an intersection could erase several practical spaces at once.
For drivers who rely on knowing the “unwritten rules” of a block, that is a significant change. Those quiet corners where you have parked for years may suddenly become open space with a planter, a bike rack, or a DOT sign where your car used to be.
However, GMC Parking has a solution. We have parking garages all across Manhattan, including the following areas:
- Downtown
- Midtown
- Upper East Side
- Upper West Side
We also offer many commuter-friendly options that can substantially reduce parking costs, a cost that will likely increase significantly should Intro 1138 pass.
Reach out today for the best Parking Garage NYC has to offer
How You Can Get Ready for Potential Change
While there’s a chance the bill will pass as written, changes could be made. Either way, it appears the council is establishing a clear mandate, directing that corners are for safety and visibility – not for parking.
One way to adjust will be to consider parking garages NYC residents trust. Start looking around at different providers and see what they charge per day, week, or month. See if you can find a garage that’s a bit farther from where you typically park but close to a subway or bus stop. That way, you can drive to your spot, park, and take public transit to your destination.
Stay Informed
In the meantime, pay close attention to developments regarding Intro 1138. The last thing you want to deal with is to suddenly realize there’s a bike rack in that spot you’ve been parking for years. Also, keep an eye on any new signage near your preferred space as the city transitions to installing barriers. If you park too close to a crosswalk, you could get a costly ticket. Police might be lenient for a while, but that likely won’t last long.
Universal daylighting is framed as a life-saving measure, not an anti-driver crusade. The goal is fewer people killed or seriously injured at intersections, especially children, seniors, and New Yorkers who walk or bike every day. But for the hundreds of thousands of drivers who depend on curbside parking – and for the garages that backstop that system – the bill would still represent a major reset.
Preparing for that reset now, by understanding the proposal, exploring off-street options, and rethinking how and when you bring a car into Manhattan, can soften the blow if and when those 300,000 spaces finally disappear.
We Can Help You If Intro 1138 Becomes Reality
If universal daylighting moves forward, curbside parking will become a smaller slice of the overall picture. Off-street garages will carry more of the load, especially in Manhattan’s dense areas, where the loss of corner spaces will be felt most.
If you need more than daily parking, we also offer car storage in NYC for drivers who want a secure place to keep a vehicle off the street.
Our view is straightforward: safer intersections and practical access don’t have to be enemies. Clearing corners to give drivers and pedestrians a better view can coexist with a robust network of garages that allow you to keep driving into the city when you need to.
As the rules evolve, GMC Parking will continue to do what we have always done – help drivers find a space, adapt to the latest regulations, and keep Manhattan moving, one parked car at a time. Whether you need us for a day or you’re looking for car storage in NYC, we’re ready to meet your needs.