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City, property owners get an F for snow removal
As far as I am concerned, and I believe history will prove me correct, Thomas M. Menino is one of the best mayors the city of Boston has ever had.
However, the city’s Department of Public Works is — and for years has been — one of the worst on the East Coast. It takes them forever to repair anything, even a street lamp (except on Newbury Street), and an eternity to repair roads. They do terrible jobs when they patch beautiful cobblestone sidewalks with concrete or asphalt. They do an awful job of cleaning and emptying trash receptacles in certain neighborhoods, and their work is abominable, as well as inexcusable, when it comes to snow and ice removal.
They drive a straight line down the center of the road, never clean street corners and never, ever shovel catch basins or hydrants. They do salt and sand the major roads, but street crossings are horrendous.
I totally agree with ticketing property owners, both commercial and residential, for not removing snow and ice from the front and parking areas of their properties. Throwing a handful of rock salt is not the answer; rock salt only works when it’s warm enough outside to melt ice.
Whatever happened to shoveling and hitting high traffic areas with an ice pick to break the ice? A little hard work never hurt anyone, but a broken neck has. And if there are elderly or handicapped neighbors beside your home or business, pitch in and clean their sidewalks, too. A little camaraderie goes a long way.
Business and residential property owners have an obligation to clear their driveways and public walkways and otherwise keep their property clear of trash. Strict enforcement of this is an absolute necessity, not a luxury. Businesses want our money, but who wants to risk life and limb to get into the building?
The public also needs to be aware that vents from gas washing machines, dryers and heating units must be cleared of snow so that carbon monoxide can escape the building.
I thank the mayor in advance for his attention to this matter and I thank all property owners in this great city of Boston.
Michael J. Goldwait
Boston
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