Tag: Mayor Sefatia

Gloucester and Essex County have been hit particularly hard since the snows began a couple of weeks ago. In the past 17 days, we have received a record setting 70 inches of snow. Not only has there been a lot of snow but it has been cold which has not allowed the snow to melt. The streets are lined with mountains of snow which makes getting around dangerous. We urge residents to exercise caution and take your time when travelling around the City.

The City has committed significant resources towards ensuring snow removal. We have deployed 25 pieces of City equipment and up to 75 pieces of contracted equipment as well as over 100 operators rotating through in shifts to clear snow. Our snow clearing efforts are ongoing and operating around the clock. We ask for your patience while we continue this endeavor.

I would like to say a quick word about the Gloucester DPW. These past few weeks have not been easy; the Director and his team have been working extremely hard. I would like to thank him and everyone at DPW for their incredible work and dedication to this City. Day-in and day-out they continue to do a tremendous job.

In the last week, the City of Gloucester has seen a historic amount of snow. Fifty-two inches have fallen on the City in a short period of time.

Over the past week, City employees have logged hours of time over and above their normal work week, plowed 175 miles of roadways, and dropped an estimated 2,000 tons of salt on the roads. The Department of Public Works, the Police, and Fire Departments deserve significant credit for their hard work and we thank them for it.

As a result, I am pleased to report the City of Gloucester was only majorly impacted for a short period of time and is continuing to deliver the usual and necessary services that its citizens rely upon.

State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante and State Senator Bruce Tarr have provided invaluable support to our City. They have assisted us in contacting a number of departments and agencies within state government and continue to work with them on our behalf.

While we have made progress in snow removal and getting the City up and running, there is much work left to be done. In the coming days, the City will continue its efforts to widen roadways, remove snow, open schools, and deliver important services.

Your patience and cooperation during this time is critically important. I would urge all citizens to consider the following:

• Be courteous to each other and help one another out.
• Be cautious and drive slowly.
• Help alleviate traffic around the schools by carpooling whenever possible.
• Watch for pedestrians and children when you are driving.
• Be careful when shoveling snow and try to avoid injury.
• Be safe.

As always, public safety remains the City’s top priority. It is critically important that all emergency vehicles be able to access all roadways. Please help them out by not shoveling snow into the roadways as that may cause the roads to become difficult to pass.

Remember, your City government is here to serve you. I welcome any questions or concerns that you may have. Should you need to contact me or any city department, please visit us at the City website:www.gloucester-ma.gov.

Thank you.
Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken