Heads up on Cruz Bay parking
The St. John police department seems to lack all sense of public relations. You’d think after recent incidences, a memo would’ve gone out suggesting officers back down a bit from overly aggressive parking enforcement. Apparently, it has only gotten more aggressive in Cruz Bay. Tourists and locals alike are getting snared. Among the latest, a longtime island resident who parked after hours by the Post Office, only to return and find her vehicle booted. But get this: The $175 fee was dropped immediately to $100 when she said she wasn’t carrying that kind of cash. (Cash only, no checks.) That, in itself, smacks of something very questionable going on. Tow trucks are reportedly the next step in Operation Cruz Bay Storm. Granted, if you park illegally, you should accept the risk of a fine. But $1,000 for backing into a handicap space while your wife unloads the luggage and a “how much cash do you have on you” boot removal policy just sounds wrong. Park in your rental company’s lot, or give your business to Slim man. Those are two very safe bets.
April 1st, 2007 20:07
Some of these things would make interesting court cases if you had time to appeal them up the ladder to a high enough court. It’s not right this is happening.
April 1st, 2007 20:56
So, why don’t you forward this observations to the Governor’s Office? You know where you can find his car in the “Official Parking Only” designated area. Just for kicks, I think he should be invited to St. John for a weekend, I’ll even loan him my car and let’s see how he feels after fighting for a parking space with everyone else.
I live in a highly visible ski resort area with visitors demonstrating excessive egos and wealth, it has always been a delicate balance between ticketing tourists and going after the locals. In most instances, warnings are issued and that usually resolves the problem. Hey, by the way, police officers were I live do not carry guns and while we get up to 50,000 tourists a week during the peak winter and summer months the police are most professional and handle almost all situations without major incident!
By the way, think St. John parking is a problem just try here!
April 1st, 2007 23:22
But you can’t fines the govmint peoples cuz theys donts got the moneys to pay the fines.
April 3rd, 2007 07:51
It’s not undercover anymore, huh? That’s totally a “Tonight Show” photo… someone needs to send it in!