MIDDLETOWN – Mayor Joseph DeStefano today addressed residents’ concerns following the recent snowstorm that dropped approximately 16 inches of snow across the City of Middletown.
“I fully understand how frustrating it is to shovel your sidewalk or driveway only to have snow pushed back by a plow,” the mayor said. “I’ve heard from many residents, and I want you to know that your anger is valid, and all of us experience the same frustration.”
At the same time, he complimented the city’s Department of Public Works crews, many of whom worked more than 24 hours straight during and after the storm to keep roads passable including main routes to the hospital.
“In storms of this size, there is simply nowhere else for the snow to go,” the mayor said. “Our priority must be keeping roads open for fire trucks, police vehicles, ambulances, school buses, and essential travel. In large storms, that means snow has to be pushed closer to sidewalks to keep roadways safe and accessible.”
Because of the volume of snow and limited storage space on many streets, the city will begin snow removal operations tonight at 10 p.m. and continue until 7 a.m. Crews will be physically removing and trucking snow from certain streets and parking areas.
• If you see ‘No Parking’ signs placed in snowbanks, do not park there.
• Vehicles parked in these areas will be towed because they block snow removal equipment.
• This will also occur on very narrow residential streets, including areas such as Ogden Street.
“We do not want to tow or ticket vehicles,” DeStefano said. “But we must do so to complete the removal process safely and efficiently. Every vehicle left in these zones slows or stops cleanup for the entire neighborhood.”
During the storm, several vehicles were towed and tickets were issued after adequate warning was provided.
The mayor also addressed reports of inappropriate behavior toward city workers.
Most residents were not only cooperative but very appreciative of the job that the DPW crews did during this storm. At the same time, DeStefano said that “I’ve seen videos of plow drivers being cursed at and snowballs thrown at them. That behavior is unacceptable,” he said. “You have every right to be upset, but our DPW crews are not your enemy. They are out there in dangerous conditions, exhausted, doing their best to keep you and your family safe.
DeStefano also reminded residents that it is illegal to throw snow back on city streets. All you are doing with this is requiring us to send the plows back out on your street and the cycle repeats itself. Please pile curbside or better yet on your front lawn if you have one. Throwing snow in the street creates a hazardous condition that DPW crews are required to rectify.
Middletown is home to over 30,000 residents within just over five square miles, making snow operations especially challenging during major storms. With forecasts already suggesting the potential for another significant storm next weekend, it is critical that snow be pushed back now to prepare for what may come next.
Residents are also encouraged to help where possible:
• If you have a fire hydrant near your property, please shovel around it if you are able.
• Fire crews will be addressing hydrants starting Tuesday, but any assistance is appreciated.
The mayor asked for patience, cooperation, and communication.
“All City staff are working around the clock. We ask for your patience and your partnership as we finish this cleanup and prepare for what appears to be a significant weather event ahead.”
Residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for city alerts on the City of Middletown website to receive calls, texts, or emails during emergencies and snow events. Any questions regarding this or any issue please contact your common council members of the mayors office at 845-346-4100.
“Working together is the only way we get through storms like this safely,” the mayor said.
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