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Middletown resident urges safer snow removal; councilmember Lolli defends public works
Summary
Resident Larry Silas told the Middletown City Council that streets remained unsafe three days after a forecasted snowfall and asked why main and residential roads were not cleared. Councilmember Lolli disputed the complaint and praised public works for responding in difficult conditions.
A Middletown resident told the City Council on Dec. 16 that the city’s road maintenance after a recent snowfall left main and residential streets hazardous three days later.
“My name is Larry Silas. I live at 1211 Elm Street,” Silas said, adding that many residents, including weekend shift workers, inexperienced young drivers and older drivers, still had to drive on Saturday and Sunday and were exposed to snowy, icy conditions. Silas said the storm had been forecast for days and asked why the city’s snow removal appeared delayed.
Councilmember Paul Lolli responded directly, thanking Silas for speaking but saying he disagreed with the assessment. Lolli said he had been out during the storm and observed public works performing well. He noted the effectiveness of road chemicals is limited when temperatures fall below freezing, and asked residents to avoid driving in unsafe conditions: “If you can’t handle it, don’t drive on them.” Lolli also praised public works staff and the city manager and closed with holiday well‑wishes.
The exchange occurred during the public comment period and did not produce policy changes or a formal direction to staff during the meeting. The council did not vote on any new snow‑removal policies at the Dec. 16 session.
