Challenge ahead for shovelers includes piles like this one Jan. 5 at Mass. Ave. and Park. / Grant Cook photo; see all here >>
UPDATED, Jan. 12: The 17 inches of snow that fell on Arlington Jan. 4 is due to wash away with heavy rain, as BostonGlobe.com reports Jan. 12.
If your trash or recycling was missed, call JRM directly to report it at 800-323-4285. JRM will continue collecting trees this week on your regular trash day. Be sure the trees are accessible. All items should be put out for collection by 7 a.m. For more information, visit arlingtonma.gov/recycle.
The Arlington police log for Jan. 11 shows seven calls for snow removal. Logs Jan. 9 show 13 such calls, Jan. 8 (12) and Jan. 5 and 6 show (15).
The Jan. 4 storm closed Arlington public and parochial schools Thursday and Friday, as BostonGlobe.com reported about the winter hurricane.
Minute-by-minute on ‘bomb cyclone’
“The fierce winds today have made clearing walk-ways and parking lots almost impossible,” Superintendent Kathleen Bodie wrote in a 5:30 p.m. Jan. 4 email. “While clearing efforts will continue through the evening, we will not be able to sufficiently clear walk-ways and parking lots to open in the morning. even with a delayed opening. The expected single digit morning temperature only adds to safety concerns for students who walk to school or wait for a bus.”
Snow began falling in Arlington at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 4. After noon, the snowfall rate increased, and wind began to pick up. Patch had this midafternoon update >>
By 4 that day, the National Weather Service reported no snow depth for Arlington, but a spotter said that 13.9 inches had fallen in Lexington by 4:18 p.m. BostonGlobe.com reported that as of 7:11 p.m., East Arlington got 17 inches.
In an email to parents and guardians, Bodie wrote at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3: “I am sure that you are aware of the impending …. The amount of snow predicted in Arlington is between 10 and 12 in. with the heaviest snow midmorning through the afternoon. Stay safe.”The closing at Arlington Catholic is on its website.
Channel 5 lists Minuteman High School as closed Jan. 4.
The Boys & Girls Club has also announced it is closed, as are the Robbins and Fox libraries.
Bylaws on snow, ice removal
The bylaws require residents and businesses to remove snow and ice from any sidewalks abutting their property following a storm. Residents should remove snow and ice from abutting paved sidewalks within eight hours between sunrise and sunset after a storm, businesses and owners of any residential property utilized for apartment house or multi unit condominium use that abuts a paved sidewalk have three hours.
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.
Parked cars in roadway
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.
Adopt a fire hydrant
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.
Secure trash, recycling at curb
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.
Items buried in snow will not be collected and if left out on the curb after your collection day may be subject to a fine. Storm conditions may require some extra planning on when to bring out your items. Please plan accordingly.
Other ways to help include: clearing any catch basins near your property and assisting neighbors who may need extra help with snow removal. The LINKS program serves many seniors in Town, but cannot serve them all.
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.
This news announcement was published Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018, and updated Jan. 4 through 12.
