Peabody Mayor Lauds City's Blizzard Snow Removal Efforts

PEABODY, MA — Peabody Mayor Ted Bettencourt praised the city's snow removal efforts during and after this weekend's blizzard as he allowed there is still work to be done to clear all sidewalks and push snowbanks away from intersections.

Bettencourt said crews worked throughout the day and night on Saturday and Sunday to help stay ahead of the nearly 2 feet of snow that came with howling winds, bitter temperatures and "some of the worst visibility our plow drivers have ever experienced."

"Thanks to their tireless efforts, Peabody schools were able to open on time Monday morning even while schools in some other communities were closed," he said.

Bettencourt said cleanup efforts will continue this week to widen roads, clear sidewalks and respond to resident concerns.

"Conditions are far from perfect but the work continues," he said.

Peabody lifted its snow emergency parking ban at 8 a.m. on Sunday, while Beverly extended its ban until 8 a.m. on Monday. Salem still has restricted parking on several streets for snow removal throughout the week, though its citywide parking ban was lifted at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

"I understand the temptation to criticize our storm response, particularly when everything is not back to normal as quickly as we'd like," Bettencourt said. "As mayor, however, I see first-hand the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the DPS.

"As an example, a city plow operator might work 24 hours straight during the height of the blizzard. When that shift ends, they might go home for eight hours to have some food, see their family, and get some sleep before getting back in the truck for another 12-hour shift."

Bettencourt noted the Department of Public Services has to also attend to the "regular work of the DPS" this week — such as pothole repair, water main breaks and sewer backups — even as snow removal continues.

"On behalf of a grateful community, I want to recognize the DPS director, assistant director, supervisors, and all the employees of the Department of Public Services," Bettencourt said. "Thank you for a job well done and for your continued service to the city of Peabody."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)