Letters: A mess unwinding Nemo
Firefighters from Nesconset and St. James help dig cars out of snow on Route 347 in Lake Grove. (Feb. 9, 2013) Credit: Newsday / John Paraskevas
Several plows have been through my street. However, I think the drivers must have blinders on ["Slow going," News, Feb. 11]. They plowed about 15 feet of snow to my side of the street, leaving an enormous amount for my husband and me to remove. There were no cars on the street to block the plow.
My husband had a heart transplant last year, and there is no way we are able to clear the snow that was placed in front of our driveway. I have sent my complaint to the Town of Babylon and have spoken to them on the phone. It's time for the town to address this.
Lynn Reisman, Deer Park
As of 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, I had not seen one plow on my residential street, where there is three feet of snow. And yet, on television, I watched Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo laud Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone for doing a great job. We are trapped in our homes!
If someone has a medical emergency, what hope do we have?
I am sick of excuses. Do whatever you need to do. Where are the extra crews from New York City and Nassau County?
Patricia Schaefer, South Setauket
Officials knew that this storm was coming days before it hit. Why were our roads not sanded and plows ready before the storm? They are too concerned over money. It's a disgrace.
Beth Drucker, Centerport
Long Island was under a blizzard watch from early Friday morning, yet most Long Island districts chose not to cancel school? No wonder about 200 vehicles were stranded in the snow on their way home!
The state formula of 180 days in session seems to have become more important to Long Island school districts than the safety and well-being of their students and employees. I kept my four children home and safe. Money should never trump safety.
Jason Brittman, Port Jefferson Station
The Huntington Highway Department failed in its obligation to clean our roads. As I type this note, it is nearly 2 p.m. on Sunday, and our street is still not plowed. This happens after most snowstorms.
I have called every phone number on Huntington's website, but no one has answered. I have sent numerous emails to town hall and the highway department, but they have not responded. Their emergency phone number has been busy since the storm began.
Residents are shoveling the street in the hope that they'll be able to get to work on Monday.
Brian Myers, East Northport
My boyfriend works for the water district, and he had to go out very early to clear the snow off the fire hydrants. In his area, there are more than 500.
People should be aware that they should clear the snow off fire hydrants, in case there is a fire.
Laura Lane, Westbury
The storm response during Nemo severely lacked in planning and execution. Hundreds of vehicles were stranded, and entire neighborhoods were still unplowed 48 hours later.
Snow emergency response must start well before the storm reaches our Island. One of the biggest factors in the number of stranded vehicles was a lack of a government mandate to close businesses and government offices. It seems that the trigger for a mandate to stay off the highways is when the storm is already happening and, at that point, the damage is already done. Plows cannot do their jobs effectively if there are vehicles on the road.
Also, highway departments should salt roads before a storm. The salt will melt the falling snow and make it much easier for plows to remove any accumulation and keep ice from forming.
Bob Ocon, Wading River
As a lifelong resident, I am thoroughly disgusted with the way Suffolk County handled the plowing for the blizzard. Forecasters gave warning of the storm and its severity. There was plenty of time to prepare and to get busy as soon as the storm started.
Instead, they waited until it was too late. I have never seen roads in worse condition in any past snowstorm. Even two years ago, when we had numerous storms that kept piling up until spring, the roads were not this bad. Some neighborhoods had not been plowed as of late Sunday.
We are having major storms these days, and warnings should not be taken lightly. Is this what we pay taxes for? Someone should be held accountable for this mess.
Mick Du Russel, Lake Ronkonkoma
