By Staff
Above average snowfall, which we have all had to shovel off our walks and driveways each day for the past several weeks, has generated dozens of calls each day to the Department of Public Works office. When snow covers city streets many of our citizens want it removed yesterday, and they let us know that. But we all know that's not possible. So we try to do it today and tomorrow. But sometimes that's not possible either. But as the plows make their way down the streets we get calls back from upset citizens, this time because we plowed snow into their driveway and they don't like it. Neither do we.
Snowstorms are ugly. I hate them, my parents hate them, my neighbors hate them, and in fact as near as I can tell almost everybody around here hates them. We live in Niles, Michigan and there has never been a winter that I can recall where we did not get enough snow to plow at least a few times over the course of a winter. Niles gets "lake effect" snow and "system" snow. I hate both of them. But I live in Niles, Michigan, and understand and accept the fact that I will have to shovel snow each winter. I also accept the fact that each time it snows I'm going to end up with snow in my driveway that is pushed in from the street by the plows. On one side of my property I have a public walk stretching 100' long and it's only three feet from the curb, so I get "street snow" plowed onto my walk and drive the entire 100' length. Every morning before I leave for work and every night when I get home I have had to deal with that snow. I hate it and am sick of it. But I live in Niles, Michigan and understand that if I continue to live here I'm going to have to continue to deal with it every winter.
There is no simple, inexpensive alternative to prevent plowing snow into driveways. Not only do we do it here in Niles, but Buchanan does it, South Bend does it, St. Joseph does it, and thousands of other communities that plow snow in the wintertime do it. If you get in your car and drive to any community in this area you will find this to be true. Our mission is to remove all snow from the street, making travel as easy and safe as possible. But why can't we plow snow to the middle of the street as is done in the downtown area? The stores are only 12 to 14 feet from the curb in much of the downtown area, leaving very little snow storage area. If you have driven through downtown when the ridge of snow is in the middle of the street you know how difficult it is to make left turns into parking areas and onto side streets. We pick it up and haul it away as quickly as we can but until we are able to do so some traffic and pedestrian inconveniences are experienced. We've also heard complaints that there are ridges left across the street at intersections after plowing streets in each direction in the intersections. That happens at every street intersection. We don't like leaving the ridges but until the plows can come back through the intersection in the other direction the ridges will have to be dealt with.
Even when it is not snowing our plows are still plowing. When the snow starts to melt or break up in the street the plows continue to push it to the side of the street, once again filling in our driveways. We need to get the snow plowed back as close to the curb as possible for four main reasons. First of all, we need to make room for more snow. Secondly, we want to keep the street wide enough for safe travel and to allow room for on-street parking where it is permitted. Thirdly, we want to get to a bare pavement as soon as we can, improving travel conditions. And finally, when the snow begins to melt, the runoff has to find its way to our storm sewer system. Most storm inlets are located next to the curb. If storm inlets are covered with snow and ice the streets will experience flooding.
We have 13 street department employees that take great pride in serving our citizens. I have worked in the Department of Public Works for over 30 years and the street department employees are the best we've ever had. They have worked 10- to 16-hour days for the past several weeks and are tired. But they keep at it and I'm proud of the work they've accomplished. And remember, when they go home at night they shovel snow from their driveways just like we do. Some of our citizens have exercised their right to call and swear at us, threaten us with lawsuits and television media investigations, and make personal attacks on us. But even with all of that, everyone in the Department of Public Works will continue to be committed to providing our citizens with the best service possible. We sincerely appreciate the many phone calls and e-mails from those that have expressed their appreciation for our efforts these past several weeks.