Walsh Defends Snow Plow Response Amid Historic Syracuse Storm Concerns

Syracuse, New York, has recently faced one of its most significant winter storms in decades. As the snow piled up, outgoing Mayor Ben Walsh praised his snow plow drivers for their efforts during this challenging time.

Historic Storm Hits Syracuse

On December 30, 2022, Syracuse experienced a remarkable snowstorm, recording two feet of snow in a single day. This event marked the highest daily snowfall the city has seen since 1946. Residents watched closely as the city worked to manage snow removal, especially following a less-than-satisfactory response to an earlier storm.

Snow Plow Response and Strategy

In the wake of the initial storm that dropped six inches, Walsh acknowledged the mismanagement of the plow service and assured that city workers would be better prepared for the next round of winter weather.

• City officials have ramped up staffing, with 18 large plows and additional smaller vehicles ready for action.
• The decision to hire overtime plow drivers was made to ensure adequate coverage during this intense weather period.
• Walsh noted that only narrow streets remained unplowed by Wednesday morning, largely due to illegal parking.

Challenges in Hiring and Plowing Efficiency

Over the past eight years, Walsh has made significant investments in the city’s snow removal fleet. When he took office, the city had just 13 operational large plows. That number has since increased to 23, with additional plows on order.

Despite these gains, challenges remain. Recruitment for snow plow drivers has proven difficult, primarily due to lower pay compared to private contractors. The city has not updated its contract with the driver union since 2021, complicating hiring efforts further.

Future of Syracuse’s Snow Management

With the New Year approaching, Walsh prepared to hand off responsibilities to incoming Mayor Sharon Owens. His final advice to her was to “continue to raise the bar” in snow management.

Additionally, residents should be aware of parking regulations during snowy conditions. The city employs an odd-even parking rule, which means that vehicles must switch sides every other day. This system helps clear streets for snow removal, although it can lead to towing if residents do not comply.

• Residents are advised to check parking compliance during storms.
• Two dozen vehicles were towed in advance of the latest storm due to illegal parking.

As Syracuse continues to navigate winter storms, the experiences and lessons learned from this historic snow event will shape the city’s approach to snow management moving forward.