Velazquez Calls for Swifter Snow Removal

Washington, DC – With the snow season upon us, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) today wrote the New York Department of Sanitation (DSNY) calling for better snow cleanup in Woodhaven, Ozone Park and Ridgewood.
Her letter calls for stronger coordination between DSNY, the Office of Emergency Management, the Department of Transportation and other city agencies to ensure more timely snow removal in neighborhoods that have previously seen significant delays.
The text of the letter is below.

Kathryn Garcia, Commissioner
New York Department of Sanitation
125 Worth Street
New York, NY 10013

Dear Commissioner Garcia,

It is with great concern for the safety and the mobility of New Yorkers that I am writing to you. With the snow season upon us, it is critical that the Department of Sanitation New York (DSNY) be prepared with a robust and aggressive snow removal action plan for all New Yorkers but particularly for the communities I represent in Congressional District 7 including Woodhaven, Ozone Park and Ridgewood. These neighborhoods are among those most severely burdened by inefficient snow removal last year.

As you know, and as was reported on the news, last winter streets in the Woodhaven, Ozone Park and additional neighboring communities were not plowed for days - leaving many local residents stranded and unable to get to their jobs, school and even to the grocery store. Oversized plows got stuck in the snow along secondary streets making it challenging for residents, small business and emergency vehicles to access the roads. My office received numerous calls from New Yorkers very concerned and in need of assistance – a situation some residents were in for over two weeks.

I understand that during the winter season your agency may encounter unforeseen challenges. However, I urge DSNY to ensure adequate staffing levels and that equipment is fully functional to meet the demands of an efficient and effective snow removal process. I encourage strong coordination with the Office of Emergency Management, the Department of Transportation and other city agencies to make certain all New Yorkers in every neighborhood receive timely snow removal efforts. Doing so will ensure a smooth and safe operation for New York’s Strongest and our communities.

Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely,

Nydia M. Velázquez
Member of Congress

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