Fall's Frenzy: The High-Maintenance Street Sweepers Taking Over NYC Roads
As autumn blankets New York City with vibrant hues of orange, red, and yellow, a different kind of "fall festival" is underway. For street sweepers, the season means an insatiable appetite for leaves - literally. The city's sanitation department has deployed over 364 additional street sweepers along new routes, a whopping 31% increase from the usual weekly fleet.
The usually low-key maintenance crew turns into leaf-crazed behemoths during this time, sucking up every stray leaf in their path. But don't get too comfortable, residents - moving your car to alternate side parking during peak fall season can be a costly mistake. Not only might you face a hefty $65 fine, but clogged storm drains from accumulated trash and debris are just as much of a concern.
According to DSNY spokesperson Joshua Goodman, the leafy frenzy poses a serious risk to city infrastructure. "Move your car, avoid the autumn gale," he advises. After all, when Hurricane Ida struck in 2021, flooded areas were partially due to clogged storm drains filled with trash - a stark reminder of what happens when leaves are left unattended on NYC streets.
In an era where street sweepers don't just clear trash but become unwitting partisans in the ongoing battle against leafy debris, New Yorkers must take note. Whether it's a matter of public health or municipal infrastructure, these four-wheeled heroes demand our respect - and cooperation - during autumn's peak leaf season.
As autumn blankets New York City with vibrant hues of orange, red, and yellow, a different kind of "fall festival" is underway. For street sweepers, the season means an insatiable appetite for leaves - literally. The city's sanitation department has deployed over 364 additional street sweepers along new routes, a whopping 31% increase from the usual weekly fleet.
The usually low-key maintenance crew turns into leaf-crazed behemoths during this time, sucking up every stray leaf in their path. But don't get too comfortable, residents - moving your car to alternate side parking during peak fall season can be a costly mistake. Not only might you face a hefty $65 fine, but clogged storm drains from accumulated trash and debris are just as much of a concern.
According to DSNY spokesperson Joshua Goodman, the leafy frenzy poses a serious risk to city infrastructure. "Move your car, avoid the autumn gale," he advises. After all, when Hurricane Ida struck in 2021, flooded areas were partially due to clogged storm drains filled with trash - a stark reminder of what happens when leaves are left unattended on NYC streets.
In an era where street sweepers don't just clear trash but become unwitting partisans in the ongoing battle against leafy debris, New Yorkers must take note. Whether it's a matter of public health or municipal infrastructure, these four-wheeled heroes demand our respect - and cooperation - during autumn's peak leaf season.
i got fined like $60 for it...i was trying to avoid a bunch of leaves that were literally piled up everywhere 
but then i saw those street sweepers and they were like VACUUMING UP ALL THE LEAVES LIKE THEY WERE GOING OUT OF STYLE 
anyway the article is saying its not just about being pretty to look at, it's actually a huge concern for our infrastructure and public health...i mean i get it, leaves can clog up storm drains and cause floods 
but can't we just use those leaf blowers or something lol? 
like, who knew leaves could be such a problem in the city? idk if i'd want to deal with all those extra cars on the road too tho, but i guess it's better for the infrastructure...i mean, hurricane Ida was super scary and we can't afford to have that again 
still, $65 seems like a pretty steep fine for moving your car 
i get that they gotta keep the streets clean and all, but $65 for just moving your car? that's some harsh fines right there 
but at the same time, can't we just appreciate these four-wheeled heroes doing their thing? they're like the unsung heroes of nyc, keeping our streets clean and safe 
... I mean, 31% increase in fleet size seems like a lot for just leaves. And what about the impact on other city services? Are resources being reallocated from elsewhere to support this added maintenance? 
they're literally taking over nyc roads rn i mean i get that leaves are a big deal but $65 fine for parking on the wrong side of the street is crazy 
gotta move my car or risk a nasty fine 
and $65 fine for moving your car? that's just a little too much drama 
. I mean, can't we just get used to the idea of leaves on the sidewalk? It's not like it's going to kill us 
. Can't we just take out the trash ourselves instead of relying on these guys? It's not that hard, right?
so yeah, let's all just do our part to keep nyc streets clean 
with all the leaves fallin every where its crazy how much they're makin it sound like these street sweepers are in a war against the leaves i get it they gotta clear out the trash and stuff but can't we just have a little autumn fest or somethin?! 
meanwhile my car is stuck on side streets cuz i dont wanna risk gettin fined $65 so yeah good luck with that too 
️ and yeah, moving your car can be a costly mistake $65 fine ain't no joke 
but i guess that's just part of living in a city that's always on the go 
. I mean, I get it, infrastructure is important and all 
, but c'mon! Can't we just use some of that money to build more parks or something? 
And btw, what happened with Hurricane Ida in 2021 again? Wasn't it like, super bad? 
Anywayz, yeah the street sweepers are def heroes for keeping our streets clean 
. Let's all just give 'em a shoutout and a virtual high-five 
!
