UPDATED, Jan. 9: The National Weather Service reported that 6.3 inches of snow fell in Arlington as 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, p. m. By contrast, East Brigdewater got 19.5 inches, The Globe reports.
The town had declared a snow emergency and parking ban, from 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, to 8 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 8. Parking was allowed in municipal lots at all times. During a ban, parking was not allowed on streets and permitted spots. Vehicles parked were subject to ticketing and towing.
After a storm, it is equally important for all residents and businesses to keep public walkways, fire hydrants and catch basins clear.
For other snow reminders, visit arlingtonma.gov.
Manager apologizes for town response to Friday ice
In a town email Friday, Jan. 6, Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine apologized for the town’s response to weather conditions early in the day:
“I would like to apologize to the residents of Arlington for the Town’s street conditions during the snow event this morning. The snowfall arrived earlier than we anticipated and earlier than we began treating the roads.
“The result was a challenging and potentially dangerous commute. I am very sorry for any upset and frustration that this caused.
“I am committed, as is the Department of Public Works, to taking a fresh look at our protocols in order to ensure that this situation does not repeat itself.
“I am appreciative of the efforts of DPW employees, and all Town employees as they have worked to respond to this event.
“Though our collective response today should have been better, it does not reduce my appreciation for the men and women working for the Town who are dedicated to keeping Arlington residents safe.
“Again, please accept my apologies along with a firm commitment to avoid a similar situation in the future. The town has tips about safety and avoiding fines this winter.”
What you need to know to be safe, avoid fines
In an email Saturday, Dec. 17, the town reminded residents to exercise caution when traveling. After a storm, residents and businesses are reminded to keep public walkways clear in accordance with town bylaws.
Town Bylaws Regarding Snow & Ice Removal
Please don’t forget to cut a path to the street if you live on a corner.
It is also prohibited to move snow into the roadway. Failure to comply with these bylaws can result in a fine of $25 to $50 per day.
Cars parked in roadways during snow removal operations can impede removal progress. Residents are encouraged to park their vehicles off-street during these events so Public Works can complete the task more efficiently and with better results.
The Arlington Fire Department asks residents and business owners to adopt a fire hydrant in their neighborhood. When it snows, take the time to shovel around it as well as to it. A clear hydrant expedites their deployment in the event of an emergency.
Trash, recycling, and yard waste containers should be on the curb and secured in a manner to prevent them from going into the roadway and impeding snow removal operations. Bylaws require that waste be placed for collection at the curb no earlier than 6 the evening before scheduled collection.
Important Phone Numbers
Residents are reminded of the following important phone numbers and recommend you print, or otherwise make available offline should you lose power:
– Report downed electrical wires: call 911 and Eversource at 1-800-592-2000.
– Report a power outage to Eversource at 1-800-592-2000 or at eversource.com.
– Report a downed street tree or limb to DPW dispatch at 781-316-3301.
Be Alerted of Snow Emergencies/Parking Bans
When a snow emergency/parking ban it put into place, the Town will send a notification via Arlington Alerts (phone, text, and email), town Notices (regular email list), on its social media channels (Facebook and Twitter), and the town’s website. If you are not subscribed to these services you can do so in the Communications Center at arlingtonma.gov/subscriber.
School closing notifications are posted at http://www.arlington.k12.ma.
The Town of Arlington is dependent on the cooperation of all residents and business owners to keep our public ways safe during the winter season. For more information on snow and ice operations including links to these bylaws, tips to keep safe this winter, and frequently asked questions, please visit the Snow & Ice Information page at arlingtonma.gov/snow.
This announcement was published Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, and updated Jan. 9.
