BOSTON – Last week, following a significant storm with over 23 inches of snow, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn wrote a letter to both Mayor Wu and Interim Chief of Streets Nick Gove to thank dedicated city employees who worked under extremely difficult conditions. At the same time, Councilor Flynn relayed the areas of opportunity and improvement for the city’s response that he received in dozens of calls, emails, and letters from residents and businesses to their elected officials and public servants. This week, Councilor Flynn subsequently filed a hearing order to discuss the City of Boston purchasing snow melters, and other pertinent snow removal equipment, to address future storms.
Councilor Flynn wrote that District 2 neighbors continue to provide feedback on accessibility and public safety issues, including difficulties navigating streets and sidewalks and limited accessibility for all (our seniors, persons with disabilities, and young families with strollers), along with restricted access to fire hydrants and catch basins. Neighbors also noted reports of difficulties with road accessibility for first responders (and ambulance on Huntington Avenue), the inability of neighbors and families to return to park cars on snow emergency routes following removal of the parking ban (L Street, First Street, Dorchester Street), and the difficulties of residents to utilize MBTA bus stops (Tremont Street).
In 2015, Boston experienced significant snowfall, with 24.6 inches from January 26-27th, 16.2 inches on February 2nd, and 23.8 inches from February 7-9th. At that time, the City utilized “snow farms” – dedicated, large scale sites where a significant amount of snow is transported after being collected from plowed streets and sidewalks. Councilor Flynn echoed the concerns of many constituents on calls for a similar response to the winter of 2015, when many two-way streets were also turned one-way for weeks.
Following this storm, Councilor Flynn wrote to the city on reports that New York City deployed eight snow melters to remove snow from streets, sidewalks, and bus stops that would otherwise take weeks to melt. Reports indicated that New York City has used these melting hot tubs for nearly 20 years, and that these machines melt 60-120 tons of snow per hour. In the difficult winter of 2015, the City of Boston rented machines at a cost of approximately $600,000, while Massport purchased two snow melters for $555,000 at that time. The city also benefited from New York state lending two for free.
“With significant snowfall an inevitability in Boston, it’s critical that the city explores investment in snow melters, and any other equipment, to ensure accessible pathways and roads for all – including first responders, our seniors, persons with disabilities, and young families,” said Councilor Flynn.“On account of the many concerns I’ve heard on public safety, accessibility, and quality of life – I believe it is critical that we deliver these enhanced basic city services to support both our neighbors and Boston’s local economy as well.”
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or [email protected].
Image of snow melters used in NYC this year.
