Finch Declares Snow Emergency, 5 P.M. Friday

News release from Mayor Bill Finch:

Due to the impending winter storm (Storm Charlotte), Mayor Bill Finch has declared a snow emergency in the City beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, February 8.

During the snow emergency, residents must move their cars off posted snow emergency streets. Alternate side of the street parking rules are in effect for all other streets throughout the City in order to allow snow plow drivers’ clear passage.

Snow emergency streets are marked with white signs with red lettering. A list of snow streets can be found on the City’s website–www.bridgeportct.gov/content/89019/89753/95485/95497.aspx. No parking is allowed on snow emergency streets. Vehicles left on snow emergency streets after the ban goes into effect will be subject to fines and towing.

Early forecasts indicate that this winter storm is expected to be a historic Nor’easter for the region, with snowfall rates of 1-3 inches per hour along with thunder snowstorms.

“We need everyone’s cooperation in order for our crews to be able to clear the streets,” said Mayor Finch. “Property owners should shovel their sidewalks and driveways, and clear snow around fire hydrants and curb cuts to help improve neighborhood safety. Please do not shovel snow back into the street, and above all, please obey the snow emergency parking rules.”

During the storm, residents may call 203.576.1311 with snow plowing concerns. Residents can use the City’s BConnected request system online at www.bridgeportct.gov/bconnected or on the BConnected mobile application available on iPhone or Android smartphones to report any snow-related concerns.

Snow emergency parking area is available throughout the City. A full list of parking areas can be found at the following link: www.bridgeportct.gov/content/89019/89753/95485/95501.aspx. Parking in the school parking lots listed will be permitted beginning Friday afternoon.

For the latest updates, resources and information about the snowstorm, residents are asked to check www.bridgeportct.gov/bptsnow, local television and radio news outlets and follow the City of Bridgeport on Twitter and Facebook and Mayor Bill Finch on Twitter and Facebook.

Note from Bridgeport Police Dept.: Vehicles left parked on snow emergency streets after 5 p.m., Friday will be subject to tagging and towing. Violating the alternate-side-of-the-street parking rules also will result in fines. A list of snow emergency streets can be found on the City’s website by following this link: www.bridgeportct.gov/content/89019/89753/95485/95497.aspx.

Note from Department of Public Works:

During the snow emergency all City residents should heed alternate side of the street parking rules until the snow emergency has been lifted. For example, on even-numbered days, (Feb. 8), residents should move their cars to the even-numbered (house numbers ending in 0, 2,4,6, and 8) side of the street before 5 p.m. on Friday.

The Department of Public Works reminds all residents and business owners to shovel the sidewalk and walkways, including curb cuts, for pedestrian safety. If sidewalks are not cleared, the City may clean the sidewalk and charge the owner a fee for doing so, as well as impose a $100 per day fine for violating a City ordinance.

Please do not shovel, or use a snow blower or plow to throw snow back into the street from your driveway or sidewalk. Anyone found throwing snow back into the street will be subject to a fine.

Residents and business owners are also asked to clear fire hydrants and the immediate area around it of snow to improve neighborhood safety.

The City’s Transfer Station on Asylum Street will be closed on Saturday, Feb. 9.