As the snow continues to fall, and my car (parked atop Cobo’s roof) gets more and more buried, I consider how my on-street parking at home situation is going to develop this winter. You see, my neighbors and I have an unspoken understanding that the street-space in front of our homes is 1st dibs for the home-owner (and his/her guests) — after which it is fair game for the other neighbors to use.

All well and good during the summertime, but with deep snow in Michigan this winter, I’ve shoveled out a parking space only to have it hiijacked by another neighbor upon my return in the evening. To avoid this, I plan to adopt a time-old tradition utilized in Boston and Chicago… the folding chair parking space holder.

For those who may not know what the heck I’m talking about, I’ll explain: you shovel out a parking space, and plop a folding chair, a trash can, a bookcase, or even a universal-gym in that space. The understanding is that the item is a place-saver for the person who did all the work in clearing out the spot. Any person who dares to move said item will suffer the consequences.

What are the consequences? anything from getting your car keyed, to flattened tires, or a rock through your windshield.

The downside to my master plan? These ARE my neighbors — and an escalation of revenge could get ugly.