By KENNEDY GRIFFIN
(Greenfield, MA) The Greenfield Department of Public Works and its 27 vehicles are prepared for the coming storm. The DPW plows the City’s 110 miles of roads and 7.4 acres of parking lots every storm.
“Winter weather means all hands on deck at the DPW. It involves coordinating plow routes, customer service operators and route supervisors to inspect and control plowing activities and staffing mechanics and other support personnel,” said DPW Director Marlo Warner. “We ask that residents use extra care around plow trucks and recognize that winter storms mean extra long hours for DPW staff who are doing their absolute best to maintain the roads.”
The City of Greenfield has issued a winter storm reminder for residents and businesses on the following topics:
Emergency Winter Parking Ban – When the Mayor or Public Works Director declares a parking ban, vehicles are prohibited from parking on City streets and overnight parking in municipal lots is prohibited, with the exception of designated areas of the Chapman/Davis Lot. In addition, the first three levels of the Olive Street Garage will be available for free overnight parking. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.Parking ban information is released through the Greenfield Alert system and online through the City’s website and social media channels.
Sidewalks – Owners of property that abuts public sidewalks are responsible for the removal of snow from sidewalks within 24 hours after the end of the snowfall, as set forth in City Ordinance 159-16.
Fire Hydrants – For neighborhood safety, owners of property that abuts public fire hydrants should remove a two-foot-wide path of snow to and around the hydrant within 24 hours after the end of the snowfall, as set forth in City Ordinance 159-25.
Trash and Recycling – Residents are reminded that trash and recycling items placed at the curb must be accessible from the street side of the snow bank. In most cases, a “shelf” can be easily shoveled into the snow bank to provide a suitable spot for containers and bags, or items can be placed at the end of the driveway. Trash and recycling located on the sidewalk behind snow banks will not be collected.
Sand – Greenfield residents can pick up free winter sand at the DPW yard at 209 Wells Street Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and during storm operations. The sand is located to the right when entering the parking lot.
Residents are asked to stay off the roads at the height of storms to allow DPW crews and emergency responders to operate efficiently.