Dear Mr. McGonagle, Over the years, I have noticed the City several times about the blockage of the public sidewalk in front of 1900 Washington Street. This becomes more of an issue during the snow season as the sidewalk plow goes around the blockage by plowing into the street then re-entering past the blockage. This forces pedestrians onto Route 16 and into East bound traffic. The City's last response, several years ago, was that the owner had been sent a letter. The pictures below identify the problem. I believe that such behavior violates a City ordinance. Additionally, as their property appears to jut out beyond their abutting property, in the foreground, Perhaps a matter for zoning. I wonder if they have intruded into City property. The last two pictures identify a problem that has existed since the sidewalk was redone years ago. The sidewalk plow cannot pass the pole in the middle of the walkway. That also forces the predestinations onto Route 16. Finally, I hope that the City has acquired a better sidewalk plow as for years the blade never gotten near the ground and the snow is only compacted by the plow's tracks. That results in an icy condition after it has been walked upon and then freezes. Footprints are frozen in the walkway creating a hazardous condition. BARRELS 1.jpg BARRELS 2.jpg 2016-01-13 WASHINGTON STREET 008.jpg 2016-01-13 WASHINGTON STREET 010.jpg Thank you for your attention to this matter, Bill

Washington Street Safety Issue FIXED

Posted by Mia on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Dear Mr. Mayor,

Thank you for yesterday’s sidewalk plowing and salting from Commonwealth Avenue to the Woodland Station, and beyond. I have never seen a better job in the 42 years that we have resided on Day Street. It was a pleasure to walk to the Woodland T station this morning and there were many joggers safely utilizing the walkway. I have already heard positive comments from my neighbors. Please forward my remarks and gratitude of your DPW staff as they too have been most helpful and responsive to ensure the safety of this neighborhood.

Sincerely,

Concerned Citizen

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This is in response to Concerned Citizen’s Safety Issue on Washington Street.

The even side of Washington Street from Commonwealth Avenue to the Woodland T Station is no longer part of the city maintained sidewalks for snowplowing. That said, the odd side of Washington Street from Commonwealth Avenue to the Woodland T will be plowed during future storms.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today regarding the sidewalk situation in front of 1900 Washington Street. I did take a look at this location and now understand the situation the refuse containers location is causing for pedestrian issues. A letter will be sent to the property owner notifying them of the need to remove the containers from the right-of-way. As discussed, the even side of Washington Street from Commonwealth Avenue to the Woodland T Station is no longer part of the city maintained sidewalks for snowplowing. That said, the odd side of Washington Street from Commonwealth Avenue to the Woodland T will be plowed during future storms.

Lastly, if sidewalks on the even side are not plowed or shoveled by the property owners a request can be made through the City’s WebQA/311 website. This will trigger DPW staff to perform a site visit and hang a flyer notifying the property owner of the city ordinance which requires them to perform snow and ice removal on their sidewalk. Thanks again for your time.

Respectfully,

Shane L. Mark M.S.

Director of Operations

Department of Public Works

City of Newton

1000 Commonwealth Ave.

Newton Centre, MA 02459

Office: 617-796-1494

Cell: 617-992-1553

smark@newtonma.gov

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Concerned citizens bring up this safety point regarding not plowing one side of the street (the side which has the Woodland T Stop):

“it is so much busier on our side rather than the Lasell side. Plus you have hundreds of marathon training runners who are using our side for their weekend runs – they will be forced to run in the road or continually cross back and forth which isn’t safe. I’m happy to make a call to City Hall also on this –– they need to do both sides at a minimum.”

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Dear Concerned Citizen,

After further inspection and thought on this matter the sidewalks on the south side (EVEN) will be plowed from Commonwealth to the Woodland T station. In fact, the DPW department will plow the sidewalks on the even side of the street from Grove Street in Lower falls to Commonwealth Avenue. We trust this will help the pedestrians who use the sidewalks as a means of travel. Thank you.