Snow removal, parking ban too confusing
Nick Haltvick, engineer- and land surveyor-in-training
Dear Editor,
I am writing to you to express my extreme displeasure regarding how the parking ban during the Monday, Feb. 8, 2010 snow removal was handled. During a meeting I had with City Manager Jeffrey Weldon on Monday afternoon, he explained that this ordinance goes into effect when snowfall has accumulated to the point where it becomes too difficult for the snowplow drivers to plow around vehicles and effectively clear the roads. Weldon stated the street department does not always remove snow immediately, depending on the forecast, and does not issue a parking ban every time plowing becomes necessary.
According to the National Weather Service, Brookings received 3.5 inches of snow from Friday to Sunday morning. Somehow, I missed the parking ban announcement despite listening to KBBX-FM and watching KDLT Monday morning. Oddly enough, where I typically park there were several cars that had just arrived, in addition to the normal packed parking near campus. When I mentioned this to Weldon, he stated that I should have called the “Snow Line.” I agreed that this was a fair response; however, why would I even think to check, as Brookings sometimes does not plow streets after six inches of snow!
When I asked why all street parking city-wide is closed at the same time, Weldon stated that it is too confusing for the citizens when zone plowing or even-odd parking is in effect. This was a very disheartening statement. Every other city I have lived in has never had a problem with this type of system, so I do not understand why Brookings would be any different. Also, if all street parking is banned, where are people who do not have alley access or driveways supposed to park? Or what about the student and faculty commuters at SDSU who simply cannot afford to purchase a parking pass? I understand the need for snow removal and I encourage it, but this issue should be handled with some common sense. It is ridiculous to completely ban parking citywide for snow removal. It is true that this is the most efficient method to clear the streets, but snow removal is a service which tax dollars support in order to provide a safe and usable transportation system. People still need to be able to park their vehicles either at work or at their homes. As I stated earlier, an even-odd system could be imposed. However, the city manager believes that such a system is too confusing for this community. With that in mind, until the leaders at city hall believe we are capable of handling a more sensible snow removal system, I’ll be riding my bike to avoid another ticket and tow.
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