Trying to save a parking space on East First Street

Early yesterday evening, a man was trying to hold a parking spot on East First Street near Extra Place. Meanwhile, another motorist pulled up to take the space. No, the man said. I'm reserving this spot. The woman rolled down her window, and said something like You can't save a space. She inched toward him. He didn't budge. They faced each other for a little longer than you might imagine.

The man motioned down the street to the person in the white car that he was saving the space for. The second motorist, a woman, then tried to back into the space. However, the first motorist wouldn't budge. An impasse. The man continued to gesture and claim that he had saved the space.

Then another man showed up. He got into the debate. You can't save a space. It appeared that he was friends with the woman in the first car. They continued the discussion.

Eventually, the man who had been saving the spot then parked the car two vehicles to the west of where he was saving the original space.

Drama over. The evening continued.

East Ninth Street between First and Second Avenue, 7:46, May 3