Snow Removal Issues Pile Up for DPW

Snow banks creep on both sides of nearly every road in Dedham and wet, heavy snow form an impenetrable blockade on town sidewalks – so what streets does the choose to remove snow from?

“There’s no science to it,” says Town Administrator Bill Keegan.

And there isn’t.

DPW director Joe Flanagan said he prioritizes removal this way: schools, major arteries, police recommendations.

DPW crews spend much of their time after snowstorms removing snow from the town’s six public schools and relocating it to one of three locations. One of those places – – is currently at capacity.

The snow at Memorial Park will be moved elsewhere after March 15 to make room for the start of spring baseball and softball, Flanagan said.

The town removes snow from roads with poor drainage and near bus stops, and from sidewalks that serve as walkways for students and commuters, Flanagan said.

Many of the “odd” removals come from requests by the Dedham Police Department and when they see an area that poses a public safety risk, Flanagan said.

Besides when to remove, the DPW is now faced with where to put its locations fill to the brim, Flanagan said. The town will have to evaluate other town-owned land if it snows anymore this year.

“There are not a lot of options – that’s the challenge we face,” Keegan said.

Keegan said at a Thursday evening meeting that the town has received permission to use the current St. Mary’s parking lot on the same side of High Street as the church.

Cynthia O’Connell, a town conservation agent, said the amount of snow piled at the three locations worried her, but “it remains to be seen” where else the town could put snow.

Selectman Jim MacDonald suggested contacting the Department of Environmental Protection and inquire about dumping the snow into Mother Brook because it is running water, and not frozen, he said.

“It’s just a suggestion to explore,” he said.

Jon Cronin contributed to this report.