A parking space on 41st Avenue in Flushing had two Chinese-operated vans companies fighting each other. On one occasion the conflict came to blows and the police had to be called.
To make peace the 109 Precinct, the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) called all parties to a meeting on July 14. Those present included the owners of the two van companies and several of the Chinese drivers.
Richard Napolitano, the vice-chief of police of 109 Precinct, chaired the meeting in hopes of finding a quick solution that would ensure the safety of passengers who ride between Flushing and Chinatown.
The consensus was that the Chinese owners should engage in fair competition with each other, and reach a mutual understanding and agreement that could best serve the interests of the passengers
The TLC and DOT suggested that the business owners could employ an independent agent to oversee passenger pick up on 41st avenue. This would keep competitor vans from complaining about each other about taking business away.
One business owner indicated that he was willing to accept the proposal. He requested that from 6 am to 11 pm, there be two different van stops for two different van companies.
The police proposed that the two Chinese-operated van companies should park their vans and wait no more than 8 to 10 minutes for passengers. The length of the parking time was based on the number of passengers. For example, one company’s van with a capacity for 20 people could take 8 minutes. The companies with smaller vans that could only take 14 people, could park for 10 minutes.
Though one owner indicated that the plan could solve the problem, the rival company said the plan needed more consideration. They said that 41st Avenue was a big traffic area and an effective solution would have to consider the overall traffic flow and other problems.
One business owner claimed that a certain company did not have the license required to park on 41st avenue. The police responded that they hoped every van company was properly licensed.
