Winter is coming to the City of Boston.
That was the message from Mayor Marty Walsh as he stepped to the podium Friday morning at the city's Public Works Yard for his 8th annual “winter preparedness” press conference.
Standing in front of a massive mound of road salt, Walsh said the city is poised to meet the trials of a unique winter, where the COVID pandemic could prove as formidable a challenge as the most daunting Nor’easter.
“2020 is certainly not an average year by any stretch of the imagination.” He said. “But we have made it a priority in the city to maintain the service level that the residents of Boston deserve and respect.”
Walsh addressed issues ranging from snow removal to new COVID-protocols for workers, heating fuel assistance to homelessness – and, of course, the age-old debate about space savers.
CLEARING THE STREETS DURING COVID
Walsh thanked the city’s public works employees who he noted – like groceries store workers, nurses, doctors, and first-responders and– have been essential employees throughout the pandemic.
“Our public works department and our transportation department haven’t stopped one day,” he said.
He also acknowledged that their job is poised to get a lot harder in the coming months.
“Getting snow and ice off the street is how we keep our city running,” he said.
Walsh said that new procedures have been put in place to protect workers during the COVID pandemic, including social distancing guidelines and allowing workers and contractors to start their shifts in the field, rather than gathering in a central location and deploying from there.
Walsh also laid out some of the tools at the city’s disposal this winter. Here’s some of that, by the numbers:
· 24: Pieces of new equipment that have been added to the city’s winter fleet
· 150: Total pieces of equipment for cleaning snow and ice in the city’s winter fleet
· 600: Total number of pieces of equipment that can be deployed if needed.
· 45,000: Tons of salt on hand.
· 20,000,000: Dollars allocated for winter preparedness in the city’s budget.
THERE’S NO DEBATE ABOUT SPACE SAVERS THIS WINTER
The debate among Boston residents about space savers may be an annual tradition, but Jerome Smith, the city’s Chief of Civic Engagement, sought to put to rest any questions about what is and isn’t allowed well ahead of our first big winter storm.
“Space savers in the city of Boston are only to be used when the city declares a snow emergency,” he said.
That goes for every neighborhood except the South End, where space savers are not allowed at any time.
Smith further clarified that space savers can only be used for 48 hours following the declaration of a snow emergency.
At any other time, your orange cone, folding chair, ironing board, or other creative marker “will be collected during our regular trash collection,” according to Smith.
ASK NOT WHAT YOUR CITY CAN DO FOR YOU…
Walsh called on all Boston residents, businesses, and property owners to get ready to “do their part” this winter.
“When snow does come, the sidewalk in front of your property is your responsibility to shovel and de-ice,” he said. “We’re asking you to do that.”
Walsh also asked residents to shovel out nearby fire hydrants and storm drains when possible, and check on neighbors who may be elderly or disabled to make sure they have essentials – like bread and milk.
“Help shovel out a path in front of their house,” he said. “Don’t let them do it.”
Walsh noted that the city’s annual winter guide should be mailed out to residents in the next two weeks, and suggested residents stay abreast of developments this winter by signing up for text alerts or visiting boston.gov/snow.
HOMELESSNESS THIS WINTER
Mayor Walsh also addressed the increased dangers that winter brings for those experiencing homelessness.
Walsh said that, thus far, the impact of COVID on the city’s homeless population “has not been nearly as bad as was initially feared that it could be,” but also noted that shelters will become busier as the winter weather arrives.
Sheila Dillon, Boston’s Chief of Housing, said that the city currently has beds for about 1,200 individuals at various shelters. Working with partners, she expects an additional 200 beds to be added this winter for men, women and children experiencing homelessness.
Dillion also called on other communities in the Commonwealth to bring on additional beds for those experiencing homelessness this winter.
“A lot of times homeless individuals from other parts of the state come and they look to Boston for services and in years past we’ve been able to provide,” she said. “We will continue to provide, but it’s harder because we need to keep our shelters at low capacity.”
Dillon said there are plans to ramp up services for individuals who prefer not to come into shelters, even in frigid winter conditions, including additional outreach vans from Pine Street Inn.
“A lot of our homeless are fearful of coming into crowded conditions,” she said. “We’ve done a good job to de-densify the shelters, [but] there’s still a lot of fear.”
Both Dillon and Walsh urged residents to call 3-1-1 or 9-1-1 if they see individuals this winter who appear to be vulnerable or in distress.
SERVICES FOR SENIORS
Walsh spoke directly to seniors to ensure they are aware of various city services available to them for the coming winter.
“We have fuel assistance, we have home repairs, we can also help you access food and medication delivery,” said Walsh.
Housing Chief Sheila Dillon spoke in more detail about a city program the provides financial assistance to eligible seniors to upgrade older heating systems.
“Not only do you get close to a free heating system, but you also get help to make sure it’s installed properly,” she said.
She encouraged any seniors who have questions or concerns this winter to call 3-1-1.
