Tag: strom update

IMPORTANT STORM UPDATE FROM MAYOR SEFATIA

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

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.

Working with Lt. Governor Polito, Senator Tarr and Representative Ferrante, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has agreed to provide the City with additional equipment to help clear snow.
The City also has secured a waiver on a limited basis to dump snow in the ocean from Secretary of Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Mark Beaton. Those efforts will be coordinated through our Department of Public Works.
If there is any doubt as to the historic nature of these storms, Governor Baker announced today that he has called in the National Guard to assist with snow removal. The City has forwarded an expansive list of needs to Governor’s office and continues to work with them to meet those needs.

 

In the coming days, we will continue to widen the City streets and dig out the school and municipal parking lots.
We continue to maintain an aggressive snow removal plan while keeping the police and fire stations working and clear of snow.

On behalf of the City, I ask once again for your patience and understanding. Public safety is of the utmost importance. We are a strong community and together will get through this. Keep helping each other, checking on your neighbors and keep an eye on our seniors.

Thank you.

Sefatia Romeo Theken

Mayor

 

STORM UPDATE FROM MAYOR SEFATIA

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

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