Is it OK to hold a parking spot for someone by standing in it?

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on August 31, 2011 at 10:42 AM, updated August 31, 2011 at 12:14 PM

An Aug. 30 story about a French Quarter parking dispute gone awry is causing quite a reaction from the NOLA Community. The story has more than 80 comments since it was posted last night.

No ParkingBRETT DUKE / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE Perhaps tired from flying, a small bird ignores a reserved parking sign and makes a pit stop Tuesday, March 31, 2009 in LaPlace.

While the original story addresses the question of whether Jefferson Parish President John Young is inconsistent with disciplining his administration - the incident involved Jeff Parish's Emergency Management Chief Ray Meyers - your comments are debating about who had the right to the parking spot in the first place.

Holding parking spots is a hot topic in nearly every major city, and rules seem to change based on the circumstance.

In New Orleans, for instance, people generally respect the "trashcan parking spot holder" during Mardi Gras season when residents try to reserve a spot near their house. But in areas like the French Quarter, which is seen by many as a public part of town, spots are generally first come first serve.

But who counts as "first," the person in the car or the person holding the spot? Take our poll, and tell us what you think in the comments. Are there exceptions to the rule? What have you done in that situation?