Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Winter in the Capital Region brings a ritual that newcomers learn the hard way: the snow emergency. Each city sets its own rules, and a car left on the wrong side of the street can be ticketed or towed. Here is how the City of Albany handles it, along with what to check in Troy and Schenectady.
Albany: 48 hours, even then odd
Under the city’s procedures, the mayor may declare a snow emergency when snow, sleet or ice make streets hazardous, with public notice at least eight hours before it begins. A snow emergency starts at 8 a.m. or 8 p.m. and lasts 48 hours unless it is extended.
- During a snow emergency, normal parking rules are suspended, including alternate side rules.
- For the first 24 hours, vehicles must be parked on the even-numbered side of the street.
- For the second 24 hours, vehicles must move to the odd-numbered side.
- On streets with no designated even or odd side, signs direct where to park.
- You still cannot block hydrants, park in crosswalks or use an accessible space without a permit.
Cars on the wrong side can be ticketed and towed. If your car is towed during a snow emergency, the city directs residents to call the Albany Police Department at 518-438-4000 to find the tow lot.
How to find out
Albany announces snow emergencies on its website, albanyny.gov, through local media and social media, and on a recorded line at 518-476-SNOW (7669). The city generally calls emergencies after a storm, once accumulation and the forecast make clearing the parking lanes necessary.
Albany’s off-street lots
During a snow emergency the city opens free off-street parking in neighborhood lots. The list has included areas in Arbor Hill and Sheridan Hollow, Pine Hills (including Ridgefield Park and the roadways of Washington Park), the South End (including Lincoln Park and Krank Park), Center Square, North Albany and the West End (including Bleecker Stadium). Check the city’s Snow Removal page for the current list and maps before you move your car.
Sidewalks are the property owner’s job
In Albany, as in most cities, property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks and curb ramps next to their property. Report unplowed streets or problems to the city’s 311-style line, 518-434-CITY (2489).
Troy and Schenectady
Troy and Schenectady set their own winter parking rules, which differ from Albany’s. Both cities post snow emergency declarations, snow route maps and any alternate side or overnight restrictions on their official websites and social media accounts, and both use local media alerts. Residents of the hill neighborhoods and older downtown blocks, where off-street parking is scarce, should check the rules for their street at the start of the season rather than during the first storm.
A short checklist
- Sign up for your city’s emergency alerts.
- Know whether your house number is odd or even, and which side that is on your block.
- Keep a shovel, brush and ice scraper in the car.
- Check on neighbors who may need help moving a car or clearing a walk.