As calls continue to flood city offices about snow-blocked alleyways, Streets and San Commissioner Tom Byrne told reporters during a press conference this morning "we do not plow alleys."
Byrne explained plows aren't used because they push snow in front of garages and block garage doors. Instead, garbage trucks are used to "track" alleys and make them passable.
"We need to get the streets open," Byrne said. "And then we'll look at the alleys."
Garbage trucks have begun picking up trash, but those trucks too were having problems getting into alleys.
As for side streets, Byrne said the city has worked since the storm started to clear 3,300 miles of side roads and that trucks will continue to plow them. A majority are open, Byrne said, and trucks will make second passes as soon as they can.
"Some are in better shape than others," he acknowledged.
Byrne advised residents to "work with your neighbors" to get blocks and sidewalks cleaned up. He also said the city won't punish those who place "dibs" chairs in cleared spots.
And don't bother checking parking meters. For the time being, parking is free.
| Full Coverage: Blizzard 2011 |
