Voices of Franklin: Rich McNeil - Thanking Franklin DPW for Snow Safety

I am deeply grateful to Franklin DPW for their tireless efforts in snow removal and maintaining safe roadways.

As a longtime Franklin resident and MSW graduate student at Bridgewater State University, I want to sincerely thank the Franklin DPW for their tireless, around-the-clock snow removal efforts during recent storms; their work is often underappreciated. My purpose in writing is to express appreciation for their commitment to public safety work and highlight its equity impact.

On February 2, around 3:00 PM, at the new construction site on Alpine Place and Alpine Row, I observed a worker using a snowblower to clear snow from the new construction. I assumed the snow would stay on-site. At 5:00 PM, I headed out to do an errand. As it was getting dark, I was driving slowly. I unexpectedly encountered a 1–2-foot-high snowbank about 20 feet long and nearly got stuck. As this was creating a hazard at the intersection, I reported it to Franklin Police and DPW (after hours). By 8:00 AM the next day, I saw the DPW on its way to clear this hazard.

From a social work perspective, the DPW's efforts ensure public safety and equity for older adults, disabled residents, and low-income families who rely on clear roads for work, school, and medical care. Franklin's Town Bylaws (Chapter 155-21) prohibit snow deposits on roadways and support our community's perseverance.

Construction firms and residents must comply with bylaws prohibiting snow deposits in streets (up to $300/day fine) to ease DPW burden. I urge readers to contact the Franklin Town Council to strengthen enforcement—this promotes social justice by safeguarding vulnerable groups most affected by hazards, regardless of income or ability.

Sincerely, 

Rich McNeill

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Voices of Franklin: Thanking Franklin DPW for Snow Safety