Frozen Pipes:

DPW would like to remind residents of simple inexpensive steps that they can take to avoid the inconvenience and cost of frozen/broken water lines. Residents should thoroughly button up their cellars. We have actually had calls for frozen pipes only to find someone had opened a cellar window in the summer and forgotten to close it! Close and secure all windows so they don’t reopen. If you cannot afford insulation, stuff rags into gaps around window and bulk head casings. Put plastic over bulk head or door openings. Wash the windows and then put plastic over the window opening. Even a small window allows light penetration and warmth from the sun. Turn off and drain the lines to outside hose bibs by opening the hose bib and leaving it open.

Driveways

While we try to minimize the amount of snow that gets plowed into driveways, clearing driveway openings is the responsibility of the property owner.

Plows cannot be lifted as we pass by a driveway. Our advice is to realize that snow will be plowed into driveways as we perform curb-to-curb plowing. You may wish to clear your driveway several times during the storm or wait until the storm and plowing activities have concluded. Shoveling snow back into the street when clearing driveways and sidewalks is prohibited by city ordinance.

Sidewalks

The following town ordinances address property owners’ responsibilities:

159-16 Responsibilities of owners (sidewalks)

The owner of any real estate abutting any Town way where there is a sidewalk, shall within twenty-four (24) hours after the ceasing to fall or form or the accumulation from any other cause of any snow, ice or sleet upon said sidewalk, cause the same to be removed there from, for four feet up to the full width of the sidewalk and including abutting curb cuts/ramps, and if the same cannot be wholly removed shall sprinkle thereon sand or other substance so the [sic] such sidewalks shall be safe for travel.

159-17 Violations and penalties

Whoever violates any provision of the bylaw shall be punished by a fine not exceeding ten dollars ($10) for the first offense, twenty-five dollars ($25) for the second offense and for the third and subsequent offenses, one hundred dollars ($100) for each separate offense in any one (1) calendar year. Violations should be reported to Parking Enforcement.

Sand

Residents can pick-up free winter sand at the D.P.W. Yard at 209 Wells Street during Monday - Friday, 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. and during storm operations.

Complaints

Plowing snow from Greenfield's 120 miles of public and private streets is a complicated and formidable task. It involves coordinating plows, staffing mechanics, customer service operators, and route supervisors to inspect and control plowing activities and other support personnel. The hours can be extraordinarily long, with operations conducted during the most unfavorable weather and driving conditions. We realize that in an operation of such size, and complexity there are bound to be complaints or requests for additional service.

D.P.W. has a formal, computer based system, to respond to complaints. If you believe that a request for service is warranted and sufficient time has elapsed for us to have responded, please call our snow complaint number at 772-1528. This number is staffed by trained customer service representatives who will log your complaint into our computer database. This information then is relayed to our field supervisors for quick resolution. Please understand that this is the FASTEST WAY to get a complaint resolved. Calling any other city or D.P.W. offices will not result in quicker service.

Remember, driving in winter snowstorms should be avoided whenever possible. In every winter storm, there are times when road conditions are hazardous despite everyone's best efforts. Our work to restore safe road conditions is completed quicker and more efficiently when roads are free of traffic and illegally parked vehicles.

Snow Plowing Operations:

The following is a general description of Greenfield's Snow Fighting Plan.

Step One:

When a snowstorm begins, the Public Works Department responds by treating the main roads and hill sections. Treating these roadways serves two purposes: to keep traffic moving and to prevent the snow from bonding to the pavement.

Step Two:

Plowing operations begin when snow accumulates to approximately three (3) inches, or forecasts indicate that it will. Over 25 city plows are called out and assigned to pre-determined routes. It takes roughly seven (7) hours to plow all 120 miles of roadway once. During a long duration storm the streets may be plowed 2 or 3 times.

Step Three:

Main streets are salted to achieve bare pavement and residential streets with hills are pre-treated to improve traction.

Step Four:

At midnight, once there is little traffic in the downtown area, crews are called in to clean-up downtown streets which are difficult to plow well during the day when there is heavy traffic and parked vehicles. They also clear city and school parking lots.

Illegally Parked Vehicles

Illegally parked vehicles are the biggest obstacles to effective snow removal efforts. Vehicles that violate the winter parking ban or otherwise hinder snow removal will be ticketed and towed at the owner's expense. Please support Department of Public Works efforts by parking your car in conformance with the parking ban.

Questions regarding parking restrictions should be referred to the D.P.W. Office, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. at 772-1528.

Winter Parking Ban

Greenfield implements a Snow Emergency Parking Ban which will be placed into effect during storms. A snow emergency is declared by the Mayor or the Director of Public Works.

A snow emergency shall include but not be limited to; snow storms, ice storms, drifting conditions, or snow removal after a storm.

How Can I Stay Informed?
1. Sign Up for Greenfield Alert :
Text Greenfield to 67283 or sign up online at: greenfield-ma.gov/alert to receive a phone call, email or text when a Winter Parking Ban is called and another when it is lifted. This free service also provides other critical alerts.

2. Follow Greenfield on Facebook:
“City of Greenfield DPW”

3. Visit the Greenfield website:
Check the status of parking emergencies at: greenfield-ma.gov

4. Check local media outlets:
The City sends notices to the local print, radio, and TV outlets; although we cannot guarantee they will publish the notice, so choose a backup plan!

Posted: Thu, Oct 15, 2015 11:09 AM
Updated Wed, Dec 1, 2021 12:00 AM