snow – Page 2 – WalkMassachusetts

MassDOT Snow and Ice Control Program Comment Letter

By WalkMassachusetts | March 12, 2021

March 12, 2021

Secretary Kathleen A. Theoharides
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Attn via email: Eva Murray

Re: MassDOT Snow and Ice Control Program EEA#11202

Dear Secretary Theoharides:

WalkBoston commented on MassDOT’s Environmental Status and Planning Report (ESPR) on Snow and Ice Control in 2018 and has continued to follow the agency’s efforts regarding the clearance of sidewalks, curb ramps and traffic islands that are under MassDOT’s jurisdiction. While we do believe that MassDOT’s staff agree that sidewalk snow clearance is an important safety, equity and mobility issue, we are disappointed in their lack of progress since 2018.

Our comments reiterate this importance and report on some of the work that WalkBoston has done to urge MassDOT to take more effective planning and operational steps.

As laid out by MEPA in 2018 (page 4), MassDOT’s scope relative to sidewalks was as follows:

“The DSW for the 2022 ESPR should include a response to comments received on the FESPR. In its comments on the DESPR, WalkBoston requested that the ESPR include more information about snow and ice control measures for pedestrian facilities. The FESPR noted that MassDOT will soon complete a statewide Pedestrian Transportation Plan that will include recommendations for improving pedestrian conditions affected by snow and ice. Consistent with MassDOT’s policy to promote alternate modes of transportation, including walking and bicycling, and implementation of its Complete Streets design program, the 2022 ESPR should provide a summary of the findings and recommendations of the Pedestrian Transportation Plan and describe any snow and ice control measures that will be implemented by MassDOT to improve pedestrian conditions. The DSW for the 2022 ESPR should identify any additional analyses or tracking of salt use associated with pedestrian facilities that will be included in the ESPR consistent with the scope and purpose of the SICP ESPRs.”

The Statewide Pedestrian Transportation Plan was completed in 2019 and very clearly called out sidewalk snow clearance as critically important, and as one of the responsibilities for MassDOT to lead on as a transportation and equity issue. It also stated that MassDOT needs to assume responsibility for sidewalk snow removal for some roadways that are under MassDOT’s direct care and control. The text of the Plan which describes these responsibilities is shown below (highlights provided by WalkBoston).

Introduction

With its abundance of historic town centers, compact neighborhoods, urban areas, and natural resources, Massachusetts is home to premier walking environments. However, conditions for walking vary widely from one place to another. A simple stroll can quickly turn challenging or even impossible in the face of discontinuous sidewalks, missing curb ramps, unplowed snow, or unsafe intersections.

Principles

Prioritize improvements for people walking by proactively addressing gaps and barriers that discourage walking and are known to increase likelihood of crashes. MassDOT shall address deficiencies– from sidewalks gaps and missing crosswalks, access to transit, and snow and ice removal, for example.

Initiatives

Initiative 5: Launch a year-round maintenance and operations plan for MassDOT-owned pedestrian facilities and support municipalities to do the same.

Year-round maintenance of pedestrian facilities ensures the continual comfort and safety of the people who use them, but also extends the lifespan of the facilities themselves. MassDOT has a comprehensive process for inventorying the condition of curb-to-curb roadway pavement and for clearing snow and ice on all roadways and bridges travelled by vehicles. This initiative establishes actions to add pedestrian facility maintenance and operations to this work. MassDOT is moving towards a proactive and systematic data collection strategy to identify facilities in need of attention. MassDOT has already gathered data on curb ramp condition as part of the Statewide ADA Transition Plan.

Actions

Action 2: Pilot a winter snow and ice removal initiative on pedestrian facilities in order to provide the basis for development of a comprehensive plan – and an understanding of potential barriers to make such a program permanent.

Measures for tracking progress (on Actions)

Note: Part of the initiative is defining the maintenance standards and operational plans for snow and ice removal that will apply to these measures.

Percentage of MassDOT pedestrian facilities that are covered by regular snow and ice operations
Equity check: Do certain populations live in areas where fewer pedestrian facilities are covered by regular snow and ice operations?

The Plan outlines significant and important attention to sidewalk snow and ice removal, and we applaud the Plan. However, MassDOT’s efforts to date have not improved sidewalk snow clearance rates on MassDOT-owned facilities. Our March 1, 2021 letter to MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver is included below and outlines our disappointment in the progress since the 2019 Plan.

Specific comments regarding the Status Report that MassDOT submitted to MEPA in February 2021

Page 2, Section 1.2 Organization and Format – We are disappointed that sidewalks are not called out here as a section and not mentioned as one of the issues to be addressed.

Section 2.1 Preliminary responses – A number of the preliminary responses are quite specific and note progress toward addressing the issues. Given the specificity of MassDOT’s Pedestrian Plan regarding sidewalk snow clearance, and the requirements in the MEPA Certificate, we think that MassDOT’s answer (shown below) is incomplete and does not accurately characterize the barriers described in a recent presentation by MassDOT to the Massachusetts Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board (a Board established by legislation whose members are appointed by the Governor) where staff indicated that MassDOT had not been able to secure contractors to clear additional sidewalks, or enter into meaningful agreements with municipalities to clear MassDOT-owned facilities.

MassDOT Answer (page 6 of the update) – In the last few years, MassDOT has committed additional resources to provide snow and ice control on approximately 10% of the sidewalks adjacent to their roadways focusing on key areas with relatively high pedestrian usage. This effort is in the early stages of development and MassDOT will likely add more sidewalks into its winter maintenance program as resources become available. The status of this effort will be updated in the 2022 ESPR.

Following the MABPAB meeting (January 27, 2021) WalkBoston reached out to MassDOT staff to secure clarification on progress on sidewalk clearance. We followed this up with a letter to the Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver and are awaiting his response.

Forwarded message ———

From: Stacey Beuttell <sbeuttell@walkboston.org>

Date: Mon, Mar 1, 2021 at 11:12 AM

Subject: MassDOT Sidewalk Snow Removal Pilot

To: <Jonathan.Gulliver@dot.state.ma.us>

Cc: Jacqueline DeWolfe (DOT) <jacqueline.dewolfe@state.ma.us>

Hi Jonathan.

I wanted to check in with you regarding MassDOT’s sidewalk snow shoveling pilot program that is now in its second year. Several members of the MassDOT Operations and Maintenance team recently updated MABPAB on the current status of the program and relayed the many barriers that have prevented MassDOT from entering into meaningful agreements with vendors to clear MassDOT-owned sidewalks. They reported that only 8.7% of MassDOT-owned sidewalks are currently being cleared by either MassDOT staff or by contractors. Furthermore, they reported that despite making changes to the sidewalk snow removal RFP this year, no qualified vendors applied for the contract. So, needless to say, people have been unable to walk safely on most MassDOT sidewalks throughout this snowy winter. I’m reaching out to see if there are ways WalkBoston can help with this issue, one that we feel is vitally important for year-round safe walking across the state.

I followed up with Jackie DeWolfe who suggested that I reach out to you. She reiterated MassDOT’s commitment to clearing sidewalks of ice and snow, and suggested that some of the barriers are outside of MassDOT’s control – for example, lack of labor market for sidewalk snow removal; and varying rules and capacities within municipalities to clear sidewalks. WalkBoston is eager and excited to find ways that we can support MassDOT and we are hoping to better understand the contract/municipal agreement issues and to get more sidewalks plowed. What next steps do you suggest we take to better understand the barriers and MassDOT’s work to date to overcome them? I would be happy to set up a Zoom call to discuss these questions with you.

We know that this is an incredibly complex issue to solve. We know that you are likely as disappointed that the pilot program has now stalled for two snow seasons, as we in the advocacy community are, due to vendor/contract issues. I look forward to talking with you and discussing ways we can support forward movement on this important MassDOT priority.

Thanks Jonathan. I hope you have a good week.

Stacey Beuttell

We urge MEPA to require MassDOT to include specific, trackable and documented progress toward meeting the scope of pedestrian needs in its next filing on the MassDOT Snow and Ice Control Program, and to use its own Pedestrian Plan commitments as the baseline for reporting.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this critical issue for the safety, equity and mobility of Massachusetts residents.

WalkBoston would be pleased to answer any questions you may have about our comments.

Sincerely,

Stacey Beuttell Wendy Landman
Executive Director Senior Policy Advisor

January/February 2020 Newsletter

By WalkMassachusetts | February 3, 2020

articles

“Snow clearance: my view (and queries) from my wheelchair”
By Amy Hunt/South End resident
“Newton’s snow evolution”
By Andreae Downs/Newton city councilor
“Digging in on snow”
By Wendy Landman/WalkBoston senior policy advisor

snow quotes

Well, I know now. I know a little more how much a simple thing like a snowfall can mean to a person.
—Sylvia Plath (born in Jamaica Plain)

Snowflakes are one of nature’smost fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together.
—Vista M. Kelly

A lot of people like snow.
I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water.
—Carl Reiner

When it snows, you have two choices: shovel or make snow angels.
—Unknown

calendar

Registration or info for other events and public meetings can be found at walkboston.org/events

February 12, 2020 1-5PM
WalkMassachusetts Network 2020
South Middlesex Opportunity Council, Inc., 7 Bishop St, Framingham, MA 01702, USA (within a short walk of Framingham/ Worcester line.)

Our second in-person gathering of the WalkMassachusetts Network, at South Middlesex Opportunity Council in Framingham, MA (we will meet in their Cafe). This event is open to any local organizations working on walking! Free with RSVP. Please register by Wednesday, February 5th so we can plan for food.

March 25, 2020, 5-8PM
WalkBoston’s 30th Annual Party & Golden Shoe Awards
Boston Society of Architects
Fort Point Room / Atlantic Wharf 290 Congress Street, Boston
5:00 Eat, drink, schmooze
6:00 Program and Golden Shoes
Keynote Speaker: Mark Fenton
Tickets: $30 includes beer, wine and food.

Download the January/February 2020 Newsletter PDF

Digging in on snow

By WalkMassachusetts | February 3, 2020

By Wendy Landman/WalkBoston senior policy advisor

One thing stays true for Massachusetts: It snows. And 11 years after it was written, WalkBoston’s report on better sidewalk snow clearance, Keep It Clear: Recommendations for Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal in Massachusetts, remains shockingly relevant (download at walkboston.org/snow). While some cities and towns have adopted a more proactive approach to better clear sidewalks, walking after a snowstorm is still a challenge statewide.

Whether it’s from individuals with disabilities or parents who push strollers, each year WalkBoston receives calls and emails from people across the state—especially older adults—asking how we can help improve the conditions of sidewalks, curb ramps, traffic islands and paths.

While we would love to see municipalities take full responsibility for sidewalk clearance, today’s budget realities make this an unlikely scenario. However, the actions described below could significantly improve winter walking conditions at a much more modest cost.

Require municipal sidewalk snow clearance plans that set priorities for both public and private clearance, (municipalities)
Clear key walking routes—sidewalks and curb ramps—that provide access to transit, schools, public buildings, and senior housing, (municipalities, MassDOT)
Prioritize enforcement of private sidewalk clearance by zones that reflect walking demand. For example, homeowners in low-density areas with low demand might be exempt from clearing their sidewalks, while businesses in shopping areas with high demand would be ticketed promptly if they fail to shovel. (municipalities)
Develop engineering design improvements for curb ramps, intersections and raised crosswalks that specifically address the need to reduce slush and run-off pooling at the base of curb ramps. (MassDOT)
Establish protocols for snow plow operators to reduce amounts of snow piled up on curb ramps. (MassDOT, municipalities)
Create and disseminate a well-funded, multi-year public campaign about the importance of sidewalk snow clearance to the safety, health and economic strength of Massachusetts. (WalkBoston with MassDOT, Mass Department of Public Health/MDPH, and Executive Office of Elder Affairs/EOEA)
Develop guidance and legal mechanisms to help create a robust set
of volunteer and paid programs to recruit snow shoveling assistance for people who cannot do this work themselves. (MassDOT, DPH, EOEA, municipalities)

Massachusetts sits in a climate zone that is especially slushy—with many freeze and thaw days that make winter walking conditions particularly difficult. Better sidewalk snow clearance is a critical component of Governor Baker’s commitment to be an Age-Friendly state, to Boston’s GoBoston 2030 transportation plans, and to the quality of life and economic development goals of every community in the state. Together, let’s take action to keep our sidewalks clear this winter.

This article was featured in WalkBoston’s January/February 2020 newsletter.
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Newton’s snow evolution

By WalkMassachusetts | February 3, 2020

By Andreae Downs/Newton city councilor

In the winter of 2007, it looked like Newton could never get its sidewalks clear, much less find a way forward. We were faced with dozens of snowed-in corners and complaints of impassable walks; hundreds of letters to local lawmakers and the papers; and of course, thousands of snowflakes, thawing, freezing, and making safe passage impossible.

Newton briefly had a snow clearance ordinance in the early 1990s, but it was quickly rescinded after a bad winter, fears of shoveling- related heart attacks, and a flurry of voter rage at having to shovel.

To get momentum behind sidewalk clearing and the passage of a new effective snow clearance ordinance, Newton needed a broad-based coalition of allies. These allies included parent and walker Alicia Bowman (now Councilor), Councilor Vicki Danberg, a committee made up of the Council on Aging, local synagogue leaders, and parent-teacher organizations, and help from WalkBoston.

Our efforts were multi-pronged. We did hours of research, including 11 community surveys conducted by the local League of Women Voters. Liability issues were cleared up (Papadopoulos v. Target Corp). A matrix showing what surrounding communities do gave the then-Board of Aldermen (now a Councilor) an idea of the possibilities. Speakers addressed lawmakers’ fears. And sidewalk snow became a mayoral election issue.

The first ordinance passed in 2011 was a trial, which was extended because it didn’t snow that winter. The mayor then hired a star team in the Department of Public Works (DPW) to train the 90+ City contractors who plowed snow often onto the sidewalks in better snow management practices.

To support the success of the trial ordinance, our coalition compiled lists of volunteers to help those who couldn’t shovel (with an option for disabled and low-income neighbors). We also put together a list of contractors who included sidewalk clearing with driveway clearing. Meanwhile, we tightened up the ordinances for sidewalk snow removal in business districts, and beefed up police enforcement. Quickly, our village centers became more walkable!

The DPW team tracked compliance and reported to the City Council. After a few years, the trial ordinance became permanent. We then shortened the compliance time for shoveling after a storm and refined the warning system. But there was still no non-compliance fine. A fine was finally passed in 2019. The mayor’s office will mail violation warning letters to each non-compliant neighbor to give property owners a chance to find a contractor, if needed, to cover sidewalk clearing.

This winter, if it snows, we will evaluate how Newton’s new ordinance—now with teeth—works.

Research and policies are available at walkboston.org/snow

Snow clearance: my view (and queries) from my wheelchair

By WalkMassachusetts | February 3, 2020

By Amy Hunt/South End resident

I’m a wheelchair-using paraplegic. Over the next few months, you may spot me on the streets, in traffic, traveling alongside cars, cabs, buses, trucks and Ubers. It’s risky, but it’s where the City of Boston puts me after it snows.

After a storm, the plows push mounds of snow onto street corners, covering curb ramps—the slopes at the end of sidewalks that make it possible for wheelchair users to cross the street. Without curb ramps, I’m going nowhere. So I make my way into traffic.

And I have questions.

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates curb ramps. But does the ADA have an opinion about ramps getting covered by four feet of snow?

The City expects residents who live closest to street corners to clear the snow piles it creates when contractors plow the street. According to Boston.gov, corner residents have three hours after a storm ends to get it done. That doesn’t consider the possibility of a 72-year-old Aunt Mae living in the corner property.

Snow piles can grow to four, five, even six feet tall and wide. Even if Aunt Mae can afford to pay someone to clear snow all winter, can the piles really be moved by a human with a shovel? Moved to where exactly?

These types of questions knock around my head while I travel in traffic. And another: If I get flattened out here, whom do my survivors take it up with? The Aunt Mae rule would appear to indemnify the City. But it’s never been tested.

Of course, some wheelchair users simply stay home, under house arrest, until the snow and sludge melts. They shouldn’t have to, and I can’t. I have a job and a 7-year-old.

I remember some years ago when Boston started installing curb ramps. There were intense neighborhood discussions around the ugly yellow plastic pads, a negotiated brownish-orange agreement, and a lawsuit by the Beacon Hill Neighborhood Association, until they settled on brick-red cast iron pads that didn’t alter the historic district’s sidewalks.

I think it’s time to talk again. Maybe Boston needs a few pieces of specialized snow removal equipment. Maybe it needs to keep the first and last parking spots on every street available for snow mounds. Maybe it needs to better communicate with residents better about their responsibilities.

ADA-mandated curb ramps covered under piles of snow and wheelchairs traveling in traffic are not inevitable natural events. They’re about policy.

WalkBoston followed Amy around 5 days after a storm. In just 3 blocks, she encountered 6 impassable curb cuts. Watch the video: walkboston.org/clearcurbcuts