Light snow began falling mid-morning Saturday, in sync with the start of another parking ban in the downtown and North Plymouth areas.
With a fast-moving Alberta Clipper system expected to drop between 5 and 8 inches of snow on Plymouth Saturday – followed by extreme cold for the rest of the weekend – the town put the ban into place at 10 a.m. As of now, it will lift it at 6 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 8.
“Vehicles parked on a public way within the specified zone during the parking ban will be tagged and towed at the owner’s expense,” the town said in a press release.
It emphasized that parking will be available in public lots.
The ban affects “areas between the ocean and the following boundary: Beginning at the eastern end of Hedge [Road]., west to Court Street, across Court St. to South Spooner St., west on South Spooner St.to Standish Ave., south on Standish Avenue to Samoset St., east on Samoset St. to Oak St., south on Oak St.to Summer St., east on Summer St.to Pleasant St., south on Pleasant St. to Robinson St., west on Robinson St. to Mayflower St., south on Mayflower St. to South St., east on South St. to Sandwich St., and south on Sandwich St. to the entrance of Stephens Field.”
The map below outlines the affected areas. For a zoomable version, go here.
Some side streets are still narrowed to one lane and many sidewalks remain impassable almost two weeks after a 22-inch snowfall that overwhelmed an understaffed Department of Public works, prompting complaints from residents and business owners. During a presentation at Tuesday’s Select Board meeting, DPW director Bill Coyle said a drop in the number of contracted private plow operators further complicated snow removal efforts.
Coyle said the town only has one piece of equipment designed for plowing sidewalks.
The town also issued a reminder about a snow removal bylaw that requires businesses and residents within a specified zone to shovel their sidewalks. Some people have complained that massive snow piles created by plow operators – followed by a weeklong deep freeze –made it impossible to clear walkways. Others cited a lack of enforcement of the bylaw, rendering it ineffective.
In its press release, the town detailed the snow removal rules for sidewalks:
“The owner or his or her agent having charge of any building or lot of land bordering on any street or public place within one mile from the shoreline from Jabez Corner to the Kingston line, where there is any improved sidewalk in front of the same, shall, after the ceasing to fall of any snow, within 24 hours, cause a passable path or track to be cleared, made or beaten through the snow, and wherever within said limits there may be a paved sidewalk, the same shall be cleared within six hours of daylight after the ceasing to fall of any snow, so that not more than one inch of ice or snow remains thereon.”
It did not indicate whether those not in compliance will face warnings or fines.
The town added that with sub-zero windchills expected Saturday evening and Sunday, “early shoveling is especially important to prevent snow from freezing and creating hazardous walking conditions.”
“Clearing sidewalks promptly helps ensure safe passage for pedestrians, customers, and visitors throughout Downtown Plymouth. This coordinated effort is part of the Town’s goal to clear streets and sidewalks ahead of Super Bowl Sunday, ensuring a safe, walkable, and welcoming downtown for residents, visitors, and local businesses alike.”
The DPW requests that “residents to stay off the roads during the storm, when possible, to allow crews to operate safely and efficiently.”
Mark Pothier can be reached at mark@plymouthindependent.org.