Boston gets thousands of snow-related complaints
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
One of several buried ramps at intersections along Norfolk Street in Dorchester. Photo: Steph Solis/Axios
Did Bostonians forget how to dig out from a snowstorm?
- That's what some have asked as city crews and landlords failed to fully clear walkways and streets in the days since last week's blizzard.
Why it matters: The aftermath has led to complaints that one of the nation's most walkable cities became impassable in some areas, especially for residents with wheelchairs or strollers.
Driving the news: The city of Boston received more than 6,000 requests for snow removal over the past week, including more than 900 since Friday, according to Boston 311 data reviewed by Axios.
- The highest volume came from Dorchester, the largest neighborhood, with more than 1,200, followed by Roxbury (600+) and the Allston/Brighton neighborhoods (600+).
- The city says it's addressing complaints as they come in. As of Monday morning, the city has issued more than 1,600 snow-related violations.
Yes, but: While sidewalks and intersections look far clearer than they did this time a week ago, residents from Brighton to the North End continue to complain of snow-covered intersections and streets.
- Some photos submitted to the city's 311 app show some intersections only partially shoveled, making them difficult, if not impossible, to use for people using wheelchairs and pushing strollers.
- Meanwhile, bike lanes and school bus drop-off areas across the city remain buried in snow.
The other side: Asked about snow-related complaints, a city spokesperson shared a statement from Nick Gove, interim chief of streets.
- "Our teams have maintained 24/7 operations to restore neighborhood access and ensure the city remains mobile," Gove wrote.
- He thanked property owners who have cleared sidewalks, hydrants and ramps, saying the cleanup for a storm this big "requires a collective citywide effort."
Reality check: Part of the problem is with cars that failed to make way for snowplows during the city's parking ban.
- The city issued more than 2,833 violations and towed more than 900 vehicles during the parking ban, a city spokesperson said.
- Bostonians have also complained about unshoveled sidewalks, which are typically a landlord's job to clear, with some exceptions.
- The city has received more than 4,000 311 reports of unshoveled sidewalks since Jan. 25. More than one-quarter of those came in this past weekend, per city data.
What's next: Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn asked Mayor Michelle Wu in a letter to purchase some new snow melting equipment in response to complaints he fielded after the storm.
- He's planning a hearing this week at City Hall on the issue.