By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – The first measurable amount of snow fell on the area last night, which means residents will be busy shoveling and plowing their way out for most of the day today.
This also means that street crews were busy clearing the roads as most started early this morning.
The City of Niles Street Department has an outstanding snow removal team of 12 individuals. The city is responsible for removing snow from 70 miles of streets, three miles of alleys and seven municipal parking lots as quickly and safely as possible.
However, a continued tight budget situation caused by lower than anticipated gas and weight tax revenues, and reduced state revenue sharing funds, both which are needed to support City of Niles street maintenance operations, has resulted in a reduction of three full-time street department positions. This is where they need your help.
"The loss of these jobs will likely have an adverse effect on snow removal operations this winter, particularly when we get hit with a heavy snowfall. Through the years the Street Department has earned for themselves a very good reputation for their prompt, efficient snow removal operations and the workers will work just has hard as they always have to clear snow from streets, alleys and parking lots. But there just aren't as many of them these days," Public Works Director for the City of Niles Neil Coulston said.
This is where residents can come in and help, not only by removing snow, but by having patience and understanding as well.
"We'll get to your street as quickly as we possibly can, but if we get a heavy late evening or early morning snowfall, there is a strong likelihood that you could be driving your car through some heavy snow before we are able to get to your street," Coulston said.
MDOT will also be facing some minor changes this year, as their procedure for snow removal on highways is different than in years past. This means drivers who frequent M-51, M-60, M-140, etc., may find a slight delay in their travel times as well.
It may become necessary to delay or cancel school due to bad weather. Brandywine Community School District and Niles Community School residents are encouraged to listen to one of the local radio or television stations to learn if classes may be delayed or canceled for the day.
The decision to delay or cancel classes is usually made by 6:30 a.m. Please listen to one of the stations listed below and do not call an administrator or the school, as it ties up phone lines needed to notify authorities.
Television
WSBT – Channel 22 – (WSBT-TV, WSBT-AM)
WNDU – Channel 16 – (U93 FM)
WSJV – Channel 28 – (Fox 28)
Radio
WRBR (103.9 FM)
WHFB (99.9 FM)
WIRX (107 FM)
Sunny 101.5 FM
WJTO
WSJM
WNHG/WDOW