Albany Residents Struggle to Navigate Snow Emergency Parking Rules

Crews work around the clock to clear city streets, but some drivers face towing for not following parking restrictions.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:15pm

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Albany, New York is in the midst of a snow emergency, with crews from the Department of General Services (DGS) working to clear city streets. However, the cleanup efforts have been hampered by some residents who failed to move their vehicles as required. As a result, DGS has had to tow nearly 90 cars, costing drivers between $150 and $180 to retrieve them. The city has designated free parking zones to help residents find alternative spots during the emergency.

Why it matters

Snow emergencies are common in Albany during the winter, but they can cause significant disruptions if residents don't follow parking rules. Clearing the streets is crucial for public safety and ensuring emergency vehicles can access all areas of the city. The high number of towed cars highlights the need for better public awareness and compliance with snow emergency protocols.

The details

On Tuesday, DGS workers focused on clearing snow from tighter, residential areas, but their efforts were hindered by cars that remained parked on the wrong side of the street. Frank Zeoli, the Deputy Commissioner for the Department of General Services, said the trucks can't effectively remove snow if cars are still in the way. Life Nieves, the Fleet Manager at AC Towing Company, said they had to tow nearly 90 cars, a high number for the city.

  • Wednesday is day two of Albany's snow emergency.
  • On Tuesday night, there was snow removal cleanup by the Department of General Services (DGS).
  • On Wednesday, DGS officials informed the public on what they need to know before crews head back out tonight.
  • Parking rules change on Wednesday into Thursday, with cars needing to be on the odd side of the street by 8:00 PM tonight.

The players

Frank Zeoli

Deputy Commissioner for the Department of General Services.

Life Nieves

Fleet Manager at AC Towing Company.

Department of General Services (DGS)

The city department responsible for snow removal and cleanup efforts.

Albany Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that posts information about snow emergency parking rules.

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What they’re saying

“Those trucks don't do anything if people are still parked on the [wrong] side of the street. The only way those trucks can move the snow and haul the snow away is if we can get people off the [wrong] side of the street.”

— Frank Zeoli, Deputy Commissioner for the Department of General Services

“We personally probably towed in the high eighties to low nineties…that's definitely a lot for us.”

— Life Nieves, Fleet Manager at AC Towing Company

“Obviously, it's frustrating when you wake up and your car is gone. But, you know, for the most part, they were understanding about it because they know they shouldn't have been parked where they were parked in a snow removal.”

— Life Nieves, Fleet Manager at AC Towing Company

What’s next

If cars aren't moved to the odd side by 8PM tonight, they could be towed.

The takeaway

This snow emergency highlights the importance of public awareness and compliance with parking rules during severe weather events. The high number of towed cars underscores the need for better communication and enforcement to ensure efficient snow removal and maintain public safety in Albany.