Lindsay Signs Bill to Ease Parking Restrictions for Day School Busses

A bill allowing school busses unlimited parking in front of school buildings–a measure requested by various Jewish religious day schools in New York City–was signed by Mayor John V. Lindsay yesterday. The bill, an amendment to existing traffic regulations, permits busses owned or hired by public and non-public schools to park in front of the schools overnight and during the day. It benefits principally yeshivas and other Jewish day schools in congested areas which depend on their own busses to transport their pupils. The schools have no garage or parking lots and as a result have received tickets for parking violations which drain their finances.

Mayor Lindsay’s action was the result of requests from Torah Umesorah, the National Society of Hebrew Days Schools; Agudat Israel of America and several yeshivas. The measure was opposed by several city agencies. Mayor Lindsay said. “I have given serious consideration to the arguments presented by those who are in favor of and opposed to this legislation. My decision to sign the bill…is based on my belief that it serves an important need of the schools of our city.” Dr. Marvin Schick, special deputy assistant to the Mayor, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency today that the opposition came mainly from the Traffic Dept. which feared that the parked busses would create added congestion. He said the Police Dept. was also opposed because it thought the measure would create confusion as to where parking was permitted.