Is the City of Framingham Trying to Save Money on Snow Removal?

Several days ago, after the last snow storm I was out clearing the last few inches of snow off my driveway. It was a small snow fall but could cause real icing problems if left to melt and freeze. I find it well worth it to clear those small accumulations which are too small for my plow guy to turn up and handle. Then the chances of slipping for me and anyone else coming onto my property go to zero.

While I was shoveling, I noticed that the turning circle on the dead end street where I live had not been plowed clean, but I had hopes that the city operation would come past, as it always has, to spend 15 minutes and clear the surface so it would not freeze and thaw its way into an ice rink.

A UPS delivery truck pulled up across the street and the driver got out with a package, but then came over to where I was and asked: "What's up with Framingham?". I asked him what he meant, and he told me that the streets were not being cleared the way they had been in the past.

The main roads have been done really well as usual, but delivery drivers spend a lot of time navigating side streets, so they can give you the real low down on what is going on there.

The driver delivered his package to a house across the street, and when he came back to his truck, I double checked to make sure I had heard him right. "Yes", he said, "clearing the side streets seems to have fallen off".

When I went back inside my home, I filed a report on the city website on the need to clear the turning circle outside my home, as it was in poor shape, and school buses use it every day to turn. I'd hate to see a bus with kids aboard go sliding into the woods.

Nothing happened. No response.

I just checked again at seeclickfix.com and they did receive the report 2 days ago and assigned the problem to Sanitation Admin. Here is a photo of the turning circle when I filed the report.

So you have to wonder what is going on down at the Department of Public Works. I know the crews are not the problem, as they have always done a great job. So I figure the word came down that the last run to clean up the final few inches of snow in the last storm should be cancelled.

That's my take. Another sign that the city is short of funds and is trying to cut corners where it can.

I was wondering what everyone else is experiencing on their streets. If you have a story to tell, or a quick comment, or a picture of a snow clearing job not done, drop me an email with the info at: theframinghamobserver@gmail.com.