Fall River Streets Remain Unplowed Days After Blizzard

Days after a blizzard, some streets in Fall River, Massachusetts, including June Street, remained unplowed, leading to widespread frustration. Residents have expressed significant discontent over the delayed snow removal efforts.

June Street, known for its steep incline, was notably featured on the front page of The Boston Globe. A user-driven plow tracker, not city-affiliated, indicated that only about a fifth of Fall River's streets had been plowed by Wednesday afternoon.

Residents Express Mounting Frustration

Laura Pacheco, a resident, stated she was "not holding her breath" for plowing.

Laura Pacheco stated she was "not holding her breath" for plowing.

Dennis Malenfant described the situation as "ridiculous," further criticizing the city's snow removal efforts as "pathetic."

Dennis Malenfant described the situation as "ridiculous," criticizing the city's snow removal efforts as "pathetic."

City's Challenges: Topography and Equipment Shortages

The Herald News in Fall River reported that the city's hilly topography and narrow streets significantly complicate plowing efforts. Compounding these challenges, the city reportedly possesses significantly less snow removal equipment than it did a decade ago.

Mayor Coogan Responds, Cites "Natural Disaster"

Mayor Paul Coogan stated on Fall River Community Media that city and state officials were utilizing additional resources to assist with snow removal. The focus is on clearing side streets to expedite the city's return to normalcy.

The mayor also highlighted the severity of the situation by mentioning reports of an ambulance experiencing difficulty reaching an individual in need due to the unplowed conditions.

Mayor Paul Coogan described the unplowed conditions, which hindered an ambulance, as a "natural disaster."

Personal Impact and Community Suggestions

Laura Pacheco, working from home, acknowledged the city's limited resources but expressed disbelief at the minimal percentage of streets cleared.

Dennis Malenfant, a transit bus operator, reported missing several days of work due to inaccessible streets, directly affecting his paid vacation time. The prolonged unplowed conditions are impacting residents' livelihoods.

Another resident, Luis Torres, suggested that community members consider taking direct action to remove snow themselves.

Calls for Communication and Better Preparation

Pacheco raised additional concerns about where the cleared snow would be deposited once streets are plowed. She emphasized the critical need for better communication from city officials. She pointed out that prolonged waiting exacerbates the issue as snow becomes harder due to colder temperatures and freezing.

Malenfant stated that earlier snow removal efforts this winter were also subpar. He believed city officials should have been better prepared for the blizzard.