DPW Director Burns stated that the Department had tested the plowing mechanisms and determined that while they did in fact work, they did not want to risk those trucks going out of commission, and delaying trash collection efforts. We cannot have it both ways. Either equip these trucks with plows when needed, or remove the plow mechanism thereby reducing the abnormal wear and tear this heavy mechanism must be placing on these trucks. The city's large snowplows should be dedicated to the main thoroughfares, thereby freeing up its smaller SUVs and contractual trucks to plow our oft-neglected side streets and alleys. In addition to plowing residential bus routes I recommend that you consider employing homeless shelter residents to clear snow from bus stop and handicapped access ramps.
Many residents walk to and from work.
City sidewalks that are piled with plowed snow do nothing to help these environmentally minded commuters. A way must be found to remove snow from sidewalks, particularly those on bridges. A retired DPW employee called my office before the Roundtable and suggested that the Department return to putting chains on its trash trucks tires. He said that 30 years ago, chains aided in the District's trash collection efforts tremendously. I find this hard to believe and ask that it be considered as an alternative.