CHICAGO (AP) — The blizzard that buried Chicago in snow has revived a longstanding tradition of calling “dibs” on parking spaces — and the controversy that goes with it.
All over the city, residents who have dug out parking spots in front of their homes are marking their claim with everything from lawn chairs to bar stools and milk crates.
The practice is technically illegal, but Mayor Richard Daley and those running to succeed him are largely looking the other way. Some candidates even support the idea.
But not everybody is happy with the practice. Some of those shoveling say they think it is selfish and downright silly. It also has triggered fights and vandalism.
One man even launched a campaign to get people to post signs declaring their neighborhoods chair-free zones.
