Monday Afternoon Winter Storm Update From the City Manager
From Suzanne Ludlow, City Manager of Takoma Park
Monday, January 25, 2016 12:00 PM
Dear Residents,
Another sunny day and more snow clearing to be done!
The Police and Public Works employees that have been trading off beds in a hotel are now able to go home to their families and sleep after their 12-hour shifts. They are tired, but have done a terrific job for the residents of Takoma Park. I have a special shout-out for Public Works Daryl Braithwaite who has been spending long hours coordinating the work. I am so proud to be associated with these wonderful City staff!
Similarly, hats off to our Councilmembers! They have been out and about, checking on conditions, reporting problems, pitching in on shoveling, and cheering on the Snow Angels, neighbors helping neighbors and our City employees. It’s a great team effort!
We are continuing around the clock snow clearing of roads, with sidewalk clearing being done during daylight hours. Every street should have had at least one pass by a snowplow, but many roads still only have an 8-foot wide cleared path. We will continue to work on widening the travel lanes.
Trash, recycling and food waste collection will not take place on Tuesday or Wednesday, and may not take place at all this week. Collections not done this week will have to wait for the regular day next week. Please check the website for updated collection information.
There are several reasons we are not able to collect the trash, recycling and food waste. First, the County’s transfer station is still closed. Second, some of the same employees that clear snow do the collections and we have more clearing to do. Third, there isn’t room for trash cans to be put out and trucks to get down some of the streets until more snow clearing is done. And, fourth, it is unsafe to be lifting heavy cans over mounds of snow.
We don’t know if the City offices will be open tomorrow yet. We will wait to see what progress is made on transportation options and whether or not the Federal Government will be open. I anticipate we’ll be getting back to normal soon, however.
Finally, I intend this to be my last Winter Storm Update, for this storm at least. I will still be getting out announcements about trash collection and whether or not the City offices are open, of course. Please feel free to continue contacting me with your questions and comments – I love to hear from you!
Best,
Suzanne Ludlow
City Manager
Email: SuzanneL@takomaparkmd.gov
Phone: 301-891-7229
