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After major storm, Somerville council orders review of snow‑removal and sidewalk pilot
Summary
Councilors called for committee reviews of snow‑removal policies, private‑way practices and a sidewalk‑clearing pilot after a large storm left some dead‑end streets, private ways and sidewalks uncleared; administration responded that DPW prepared an after‑action statement and work is underway.
The Somerville City Council on Feb. 12 directed multiple committees to review snow‑removal strategy and lessons learned after a large storm that left some dead ends, private ways and sidewalks uncleared for several days.
Councilor Saeed led an order asking the commissioner of public works to remove snow from dead‑end streets, private ways and alleyways in a timely manner; Councilor Ewen Kampen and others asked for lessons learned on resources and policies needed to improve clearance at bus stops, business districts, accessible ramps and bike lanes. The council also asked DPW to evaluate whether the sidewalk‑clearing pilot focused on School Street worked as intended.
Mayor Wilson and the administration said the DPW produced a clear public explanation of what went wrong and pledged to refine contractor plans and operations; the mayor said his office expects better proactive communication to residents about changes in priorities or service levels. Councilors asked that the administration submit the DPW after‑action communication to committee as a starting point for further discussion.
Councilors also highlighted the teen shoveling program (a city‑run initiative that pays teens to clear sidewalks for seniors) and asked staff to publicize it; the council referred the orders to the Sustainability & Infrastructure committee and related committees for more detailed review.
What happens next: Committee hearings will gather DPW staff, contractors and community members to assess response, clarify rules for private ways and consider policy changes or increased communications.
