From city Communications Director Brett Broesder:
Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch has declared a Snow Emergency, starting at 6:00PM tonight (Saturday), in the state’s largest city.
“As always, we’re preparing for the worst, and hoping for the best. Our city has rallied together time and time again this winter to successfully beat back potentially harmful road conditions caused by the snow. And, we know we’re up for the challenge yet again. In order to keep kids and families safe across the city, we’re asking everyone to abide by the snow emergency. Stay safe, stay home, and if you are traveling tonight or tomorrow, be smart,” said Mayor Finch.
The Snow Emergency will be in effect beginning at 6:00PM Saturday, Feb. 21 and last throughout Sunday, Feb. 22.
“During the Snow Emergency, there will be no parking on any designated Snow Emergency Streets and all vehicles parked on secondary roadways are asked to be parked on the Odd-Side of the street and to keep them their until further notice. An emergency is declared so that we can effectively conduct our snow removal operations. In addition, any contractor observed pushing snow into any city street will be subject to a ticket and fine,” said Bridgeport Police Chief Joe Gaudett Jr.
According to the National Weather Service, snow will begin late this afternoon and we’re projected to see up to 3″ with wind-chills up to 15. Snow will mix with freezing rain overnight and into tomorrow.
The Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center (581 Washington Ave., Bridgeport, Conn.) is activated at this time, and the following locations should be utilized for assisting in the Snow Emergency Declaration/Parking ban:
Ø Surface parking lots across the street from the Ballpark at Harbor Yard
Ø North End Library, 3455 Madison Ave.
Ø Veterans Memorial Park (entrance off Madison Avenue)
Ø Municipal Parking Lot located on the corner of Fairfield Avenue and Jetland Street (adjacent to 2895 Fairfield Ave.)
Ø Health Department at 752 East Main St.
Ø Lot adjacent to the former Waltersville School, 95 Gilmore St.
Ø All City Schools after school hours.“Due to the extreme cold we are asking residents to bring their pets indoors, to ensure they are properly dressed for the elements and to avoid long exposures to the cold. If driving on Saturday into Sunday to please do so cautiously and safely. Anyone seeking shelter are advised to contact 2-1-1 pursuant to the Governor’s Severe Cold Weather Policy or to be directed to the Prospect House where our the City’s EOC Operation Care Strategy can be implemented,” said Bridgeport’s Emergency Management Director Scott Appleby.
In order to get word out to the community that the Snow Emergency is taking effect at 6:00PM, the city is utilizing its Reverse 911 system.
Click here to listen to the informational recording from the Office of Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch.
More information can be found at: www.bridgeportct.gov/snowemergencystreets.
The notification system is quite impressive. We received a robo call saying the call was from the State of Connecticut. It ended, of course, with the tag line about Bridgeport getting better.
Regarding alternate side of the street parking, does that mean the cars that have been buried in snow and not moved since the last snowfall must be dug out and moved to the appropriate side of the street or will the tow truck operator dig it out prior to towing it? Why make a general statement that cars will be towed when it will not happen?
I posted a suggestion on BConnected a couple of storms back:
When a street has no cars parked on it, the plows should clear the snow to the curbs, not the customary one or one and one-half car width down the middle.
It’s a few inches of snow, why the panic and why the snow emergency? Keep this up and when there is a real emergency people will ignore the warning.
I still want to know how much the city has paid for snow removal this year and how much did they budget for.