Fortunately, I don't live in Southie, so I'm not subjected to the ludicrous level of space saving they go to there. But I've noticed space saving on the rise in Somerville over the last few years, and I predict within a year or two we'll be at Southie-madness level. I've already seen several spots saved with virtually no snow left on the ground. That's just ridiculous.

At the tail end of this last storm, I went out to clear my car. I lamented to the building super that I couldn't leave until the snow emergency was lifted, for fear of losing my spot. He suggested I put out a chair, but I insisted that since space saving has yet to infect my street, I sure as hell wasn't going to start it. And I hate the fact that if & when it does arrive, I'll have no choice but to participate.

However, if space saving does occur on my street in the future, I damn sure will start clearing space savers when the snow is melted. You may have shoveled it at one point, but when there's naught but some slush to contend with, your hard work has already been erased.

In summary: thank God I don't live in Southie.