Several dozen members of the Orange County Taxi Driver Association appeared before the Newburgh City Council on Monday, February 13, with concerns over the increase in ticketing by the City of Newburgh Police Department for double parking and to seek a change in the city code to assist with the vehicle classification. Drivers also raised concerns about officers asking for social security numbers when they were pulled over.

In Section 288-20 titled ‘General parking regulations and prohibitions’ in the city code, Point B read as follows: “Double parking prohibited. No vehicle shall stop, stand or park on the roadway side of any vehicle stopped, standing or parked at the edge or curb of a street, highway or avenue, unless it is a commercial vehicle making deliveries.”

Miguel Cerrato came before the city council on Monday night and expressed his concerns over the ticketing and also requested the city code section to be amended to reclassify the taxis. “There is a situation going on with the taxi drivers. The police, the City of Newburgh Police is ticketing the taxi drivers every time that we pick up or drop off passengers,” said Cerrato. “We are picking up people and we are dropping people off.”

Several dozen members of the taxi association joined in support of the concerns about the ticketing. Resident Rene Mejia provided translation services for most of the drivers who spoke during the comment period. Several drivers prior to Monday night’s meeting shared their thoughts on the matter and were frustrated with the actions against them. Cerrato shared that the cabs also make trips to other towns and cities such as Beacon, Cornwall, New Windsor and Newburgh but are not ticketed. The ticketing is claimed to only be done in the City of Newburgh. Many of the taxi drivers here in the city have been driving for over a decade.

“What is the point of this ticket for double parking? We think that is an abuse of power,” said Cerrato. “It seems that we are persecuted by the authorities,” said Vídal Roblero. “I would like to make a call to the commissioner of the City of Newburgh asking him to please have a heart and to do something for us because the truth is we are very, very, very persecuted by the police,” said Marlene Ramos. “I have seen when there are parked cars, I have passed and the police appear and they do not say anything,” said Maria Mejia.

Mayor Torrance Harvey requested from Cerrato following his comments to see tickets issued to a cab driver to learn more about the situation. Mayor Harvey also requested a clarification from City Manager Todd Venning and the executive staff. “Double parking is prohibited per the code. The only group that is exempt are commercial vehicles. Taxis are not considered commercial vehicles within the code,” said Venning.

Councilwoman Giselle Martinez called on the police department to hold the officers accountable for their actions and for her additional council colleagues to consider amending the section of law. She also would like to speak with the police chief and the police commissioner about this situation.

“I am in full support of our taxi drivers. A few years ago, my father was pulled over by an officer and was also asked for his social security number,” said Martinez. “We are a sanctuary city and so it kind of breaks my heart that there is this type of profiling happening.”

One taxi driver, Jesus Martinez, shared that during one incident, he was asked his social security number by an officer and was threatened with being arrested by the officer.

Councilwoman Ramona Monteverde also concurred with Martinez’s concerns and points. Monterverde also raised concerns about the double parking in other parts of the city that not being addressed.

“What I would like for the next either work session or council meeting is the police chief and the commissioner to be here to explain what’s going on because what’s happening is not okay with me,” said Monteverde.

Mayor Harvey also commented after speaking with the police chief that there is a line on tickets that requires police officers to record a person’s social security number if they do not have a license so as to submit properly to the city court for their appearance ticket.

Prior to the city meeting on Monday, February 13, Michael Neppl, Chief of Staff for the city, shared the following response via email on Friday, February 10 to address the concerns made by the drivers. “The City maintains a productive working relationship with the Orange County Taxi Association, and we continue to appreciate their commitment to public safety and to operating legally within the City Code. The Taxi Association has met with the Police Commissioner and City Manager regarding public safety concerns. The City Code does not classify taxis as commercial vehicles, and double parking is prohibited.”