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Most likely a traffic signal camera sensor (for the light). Probably not for issuing tickets unless you see a flash firing or additional cameras pointed at different spots of the same cross street. Red light cameras in NYC can usually be found mounted *behind* the intersection to get a picture of the rear plate.

Cameras in Union City

Usually the ones on the stoplights work as traffic sensors, to change the light appropriately.

You probably haven't seen anything like this before because highway departments generally used metal wires in the pavement (or less commonly, radar boxes mounted to the lights) for traffic sensors before the camera/computer technology developed.

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super_furry, I ride my bike to work 90% of the time and I find Chartmann's concerns very valid. The huge closure of 2/3 of Columbus near Greene and Washington made that area unpleasant for riding (very narrow lanes, construction debris, plus primarily bus traffic). For that matter, the work sites on Washington near the powerhouse have taken over the sidewalk and a small part of the roadway (temporary 1-way street). I'm waiting for the Washington/Greene one-way pair to be complete in that area to provide a decent route close to the waterfront.

My pipe dream is to be able to ride my bike to Manhattan and not have to deal with PATH or the ferry, but that's not going to happen anytime soon.

If she plans to go to court, it might end up in small claims court, given there were no tickets issued (as it was private property, private towing company). She doesn't need a lawyer for small claims, unless she wants to spend the money.

Another thing would be to go to the store itself with a receipt, ask to speak to the manager, and complain her car was towed. That might be the most efficient way to resolve the matter.

On a side note... my roommate has seen JC police giving tickets to people using the parking lot of BJ's as a cut-through from 2nd St near Washington. Doesn't make sense but be on the alert for abuse of power.