Hi Doug--
During a heavy/long-duration snow event, DPW generally spends the first shift(s) plowing main roads (like 8 Mile and Woodward), secondary roads (like Pinecrest and Hilton), and school and emergency routes. This took place on Friday. They were then able to shift their focus to local and neighborhood streets, which is why the emergency was scheduled to begin Saturday morning. Snow emergencies are an inconvenience for those without driveway access, so we try to schedule them for exactly when DPW will be plowing and not a moment sooner.

Also, during a snow emergency, each neighborhood street is plowed fully just once. It may require several passes to get it cleared curb to curb, but once that has been done, DPW will not be back--even if it continues snowing--unless a second snow emergency is called. So it's true that once a street is COMPLETELY cleared, vehicles can return.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at ksokol@ferndalemi.gov. Thank you.

Kara Sokol
Director of Communications

Hi Doug-- During a heavy/long-duration snow event, DPW generally spends the first shift(s) plowing main roads (like 8 Mile and Woodward), secondary roads (like Pinecrest and Hilton), and school and emergency routes. This took place on Friday. They were then able to shift their focus to local and neighborhood streets, which is why the emergency was scheduled to begin Saturday morning. Snow emergencies are an inconvenience for those without driveway access, so we try to schedule them for exactly when DPW will be plowing and not a moment sooner. Also, during a snow emergency, each neighborhood street is plowed fully just once. It may require several passes to get it cleared curb to curb, but once that has been done, DPW will not be back--even if it continues snowing--unless a second snow emergency is called. So it's true that once a street is COMPLETELY cleared, vehicles can return. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at ksokol@ferndalemi.gov. Thank you. Kara Sokol Director of Communications

Kara,
Thanks, however, our street was not cleared curb to curb, and not anywhere down to the pavement. In fact there are pictures posted on my previous SCF about snow removal showing the snow piled on the street two feet from the true curb, and probably three inches or more snow left on the roadway. When this happens, and the cars are allowed to return, they narrow the roadway further. Frankly I'm amazed the garbage trucks can get into our street sometimes. But as for an emergency vehicle - not likely.
Either the City does a better job clearing the street, or you should not permit parking on this dead end street - with only one point of ingress and egress - during the winter. You would think some people would know better, but it's all about their convenience rather than any thoughts about their neighbors.

Doug

Thank you for using MiFerndale. We are pleased to report that this issue has been resolved and closed. If you have additional questions, or if the issue has not been resolved to your satisfaction, please contact the City of Ferndale at 248-546-2525.