BROOKLINE — Town Administrator Mel Kleckner and Commissioner of Public Works Erin Chute Gallentine wish to remind residents of parking ban and snow emergency details ahead of tonight’s anticipated snowfall.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting hazardous weather conditions with current snow accumulations forecast to be six to 10 inches overnight into Thursday, Dec 17. In addition, the area is under a Winter Storm Warning from 7 p.m. Wednesday until 1 p.m. Thursday.
“It’s critical that residents do their part to follow parking bans and clear the sidewalks near their homes and businesses,” Commissioner Gallentine said. “These steps allow us to effectively clear our roadways in a timely manner, and ensure pedestrians can also walk safely following a snow storm.”
Parking Ban in Effect
A parking ban will take effect tonight in Brookline beginning at 1 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 17 and will remain in place until 1 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 18.
During a declared snow emergency/parking ban, there is no on-street parking in the Town of Brookline. This includes all parking meters regardless of Town issued parking permits or handicap placards or plates.
Residents with permits to park overnight in the Town-owned lots are not required to move their vehicles until 9 a.m. after the parking ban is lifted.
All unauthorized vehicles remaining on the street or in the public lots will be issued citations and towed by the Brookline Police Department.
Parking bans are announced by the Commissioner through a recorded phone message, on the town of Brookline’s website here, and local news stations. The Seasonal Information Line may also be called for a recorded message at 617-730-2610.
Trash and Recycling After Significant Snowfall
Trash and Recycling collection will be delayed by one day. Thursday’s trash route will be picked up on Friday and Friday’s trash route will be picked up on Saturday. Please do not put trash carts curbside before 7 a.m. for Friday’s pick up.
To keep your trash and recycling service running smoothly during the snow season, residents are asked to follow the tips below:
- Shovel a path for recycling and waste carts.
- Make sure carts are clear of snow and ice.
- Place carts close to the street. Carts will not be picked up behind snow banks.
- Leave a 4-inch space on either side of the recycling and waste carts to provide easy access for the trucks’ automated arms.
- Loose recycling and waste will not be picked up unless placed in the recycling and waste carts
For more information, click here.
Snow Removal Expectations and Tips
Brookline’s bylaws require property owners to “maintain sidewalks contiguous to their property in a non-slippery condition suitable for pedestrian travel by clearing all snow and ice from a pathway at least thirty-six (36) inches in width”.
Once the snow stops there will remain a significant amount of work for DPW staff. Snow banks are pushed back to the curb line in order to provide for safe passage, adequate storage space for future storms, and parking. Please consider this timetable when clearing your driveway, front walkway, and sidewalks in order to avoid extra work when snow is plowed during and at the conclusion of the storm.
The cleared walk must comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, including the removal of snow and ice from any adjoining wheelchair ramps or curb cuts. Openings should also be cleared at intersections and crosswalks so pedestrians can cross safely, ice-melt should be applied frequently to prevent snow from packing and forming ice.
Catch basins and snow covered fire hydrants should also be cleared.
Snow should be cleared 3 feet all around the hydrant so firefighters have enough room to connect a hose. Clearly visible, accessible fire hydrants can save homes and lives in the event of a fire. If a fire hydrant is lost or buried in snow, firefighters can lose valuable time trying to locate it when they first arrive at a scene. Residents are also urged to look out for elderly or handicap neighbors by taking a few extra minutes to shovel out their hydrants if needed.
Single-family and multi-family residences (less than four families or units) must comply with this bylaw within 30 hours of a storm’s end. Commercial properties and multi-family residences (more than four families or units) must comply within three hours of a storm’s end or within three hours after sunrise if the storm ends overnight. The storm’s end time will be posted on the Town’s website. If a property owner does not clear the walk and a complaint is received, notice will be given to the owner.
If you fail to comply with the Town’s sidewalk bylaw, you could be issued fines ranging from $100-$250 per day. Residents who are out of town or who have physical limitations are still required to make arrangements for snow removal.
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