WEST VILLAGE, Manhattan (WABC) — Richard Benedetti, a retired NYPD transit officer that spent 20 years on his feet patrolling the New York City subway, threw out his back and today, can barely walk from his car to his apartment.<\/p>\n
After trying for years, New York City keeps denying his application for a special parking permit, allowing him to park near his front door. He turned to 7 On Your Side’s Nina Pineda to have his back.<\/p>\n
“My sciatica nerve was pinched in 3 places; I have a bulging disc,” said Richard Benedetti.<\/p>\n
His wife, Patty Benedetti, says she knows all there is to know about her husband’s lower back.<\/p>\n
“He has a permanent condition,” she said.<\/p>\n
That’s why the couple sought a special permit to park right in front of their West Village apartment.<\/p>\n
“I got the walker. I got the cane. I can’t really go more than a couple blocks, but just to get in the car, it would be a great relief,” Richard said.<\/p>\n
They first applied for a PPPD, or Parking Permits for People with Disabilities, in the spring of 2024.<\/p>\n
“We regret to inform you… You are not eligible for the NYC PPPD at this time,” as Patty read from their first declination letter.<\/p>\n
They were told to reapply in a year. As Richard’s back got worse, that second application was denied too.<\/p>\n
“Are you going to survive another year trying to get to your car?” Pineda asked.<\/p>\n
“Not really. If I did find a spot, if it’s blocks away, I’d have to take an uber,” Richard said.<\/p>\n
The couple, married 50 years, were forced to park their car in New Jersey.<\/p>\n
“Why are they denying it?” Pineda asked.<\/p>\n
“They said it may not be permanent,” Richard said of the city’s response to his back injury.<\/p>\n
But after 47 years pounding the pavement, the born and bred New Yorker and transit officer admits his 80-year-old back is shot.<\/p>\n
“I’m not gonna get better at this stage in my life,” he said.<\/p>\n
Twice denied; they hoped the third time would be the charm.<\/p>\n
“I was about to give up, and I said let’s contact Nina,” he said. “It doesn’t feel like anyone’s on your side. Nobody cares.”<\/p>\n
“I care about you,” Pineda said.<\/p>\n
This required putting the NYC Department of Transportation on the same page with the Department of Health. After trying for a year and multiple declines, once 7 On Your Side got involved, their parking pass came in the mail.<\/p>\n
“Once you got involved, it took a month,” Patty said.<\/p>\n
“Finally! Yay, you get a spot out front,” Pineda said.<\/p>\n
The Benedettis brought their car back from New Jersey, and Richard can now reach his ride right outside his front door.<\/p>\n
“Unreal, unbelievable, she did this. Unbelievable,” Richard said.<\/p>\n
———-
SHARE YOUR STORY<\/p>\n
Do you have an issue with a company that you haven’t been able to resolve? If so, 7 On Your Side wants to help you!<\/p>\n
Fill out the form below or email your questions, issues, or story ideas by filling out the form below or by emailing 7OnYourSideNina@abc.com. All emails MUST INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND CELLPHONE NUMBER. Without a phone number, 7 On Your Side will not be able to respond.<\/p>\n
———-<\/p>\n
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered<\/a> <\/p>\n * More New Jersey news<\/a><\/p>\n * Send us a news tip<\/a><\/p>\n * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts<\/a> <\/p>\n * Follow us on YouTube<\/a> <\/p>\n
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News<\/p>\n