UPDATE: Storm Cleanup Continues

RFH 2010, Featured Articles, News

Thu, Feb 25, 2010

Hamilton, like much of the rest of Central New York, continues to shovel and plow its way out of the major winter storm that dumped from 18 inches to 2 feet of snow throughout the region.

Mayor Sue McVaugh is pleased with the way village and county crews kept up with the double-digit snowfall of the last two days, but is less encouraged by the work of some folks who are plowing driveways. And, she reminds village residents that they are responsible for keeping the sidewalk in front of their homes cleared.

McVaugh got a "boots on the snow" firsthand look at conditions early this morning, and said:

"I just got back from an hour's walk with the dogs. The roads are very passable - thanks to round the clock plowing by the village and the county (Utica/Broad Streets). The sidewalks were terrific when I set out. However, the longer I walked, the more trouble I had. This is because people who clear the driveways are just now coming out and dumping mountains of snow right on the sidewalks and then not cleaning them up.

"I don't know how to address this unacceptable behavior. I'd hate to start ticketing homeowners, but the law is that the property owner is responsible for keeping the sidewalk clear.

"So, a big thumbs up to the plowers of streets and sidewalks. Just the opposite to those people who deliberately go and mess up the job.

The snowfall closed HCS for the second day in a row. It also has caused the girls basketball team's sectional tournament game against Rome Catholic scheduled for tonight to be canceled.

In other storm-related news, State Police have still not released the names of the woman killed in a snow-related accident on Route 12B south of Hamilton Thursday morning, nor have they said who was driving the tractor-trailer that was also involved in the collision.

The accident was the most serious of several mishaps around the region as the first hard winter storm of the year made its way into the greater Hamilton Wednesday night and Thursday morning. The snow continued throughout the day, making the after-work drive home difficult.

The storm also closed HCS, as well as most every other school in the region. While Syracuse University and LeMoyne College in Onondaga County canceled classes and closed early, it was almost business as usual at Colgate. Classes continued though some departments allowed employees to leave at 2 p.m. Second and third shift employees were told to check with supervisors if determine whether they needed to report.

Village plows and sidewalk cleaners appeared to be on constant patrol all day Thursday. And, a Municipal Utility crew (in photo below) cut down a sizeable tree on Milford Street near the former John's Shoe Store warehouse.

State Police say a head-on collision occurred at about 8 a.m. Thursday when a car traveling south on 12B near Middleport Road crossed the center line and struck a tractor trailer. The driver of the car was killed.

At the time of the collision, the road was snow covered.

The Hamilton Fire Department Rescue and SOMAC responded.