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A Risk to the Public

I grew up in East Haven and lived most of my adult life in Boston. Recently I relocated back to East Haven to be near family and friends. I have serious concerns about the way the town responded to the recent snowstorm and to date have been unable to reach the mayor about these concerns. My street, as well as many other side streets in town, was not plowed during or immediately after the storm. This caused hazardous driving conditions and unnecessary safety risks to town residents, as did the lack of a parking ban and/or enforcement of the ban. Additionally, I wonder how impassable streets impact emergency responders or homebound residents who depend on home care services, Meals on Wheels, etc., to meet their daily needs.

Some town residents told me the select plowing of East Haven streets is not uncommon and believe it to be a cost-saving measure that supports the town’s budgetary surplus. Interestingly, my street and others were finally plowed on Sunday when most of the snow had melted.

During snowstorms or blizzards in Boston, the public’s safety was first and foremost. If main roads or side-streets were impassable and presented a risk to the public, the governor declared a state of emergency and issued a driving ban. I feel the town’s response to Saturday’s six-inch snowstorm poses a serious threat to the health, safety, and convenience of East Haven residents and worries me about the town’s ability to handle major storms. I sincerely hope whoever directs snow-plowing efforts in East Haven never lets this happen again.

Charlotte Anastasio

East Haven