Damn, parking must be a real issue in NYC!
[insert obligatory “’es’ just pining for the fjords” comment here]
And, we have something called "Alternate Parking", meaning you are not allowed to park on certain sides of the street during certain hours to allow the streetcleaning trucks to do their work. It's really great if you are carrying several heavy shopping bags or if there's inclement weather, but that's the way it is if you do not have a private driveway. So I can understand this family putting a plastic cone out in front of their house to allow a guest to park near their house for the BBQ instead of having to waste time and gas circling an unfamiliar neighborhood.