Community Corner

(Updated 12:05 a.m.) Roads Passable, but Cheshire Chasing the Clock

Many aspects of the community remain closed including schools, several businesses and more as officials continue to try and clear roads of the massive snow dumped throughout town with the blizzard Friday before more snow threatens to come.

UPDATED: Tuesday, 12:05 a.m.
The main roads are nearing completion and staff with Cheshire's Public Works Department are now beginning to focus some of their time on seondary roads, but with another potential storm coming later in the week, time is now of the essence.

The National Weather Service is predicting a 60 percent chance of snow Wednesday into Thursday, but it won’t be another blizzard. Still, the threat of any snow - even a couple inches - could cause problems for the town if snow removal from the previous storm is not yet complete.

Staff said Monday that they are making great progress in clearing the roads and Cheshire is ahead of towns in the surrounding area including Hamden, Wallingford and Meriden. Southington is close as well, as far as progress comes, but Cheshire seems to be leading the way.

Efforts may not come without some frustration to Cheshire residents, officials warned. In some areas, road widening will involve relocating five to eight feet of snow. It’s time consuming and will require patience from homeowners.

Are you pleased with the direction the town has taken given the circumstances of the storm? Tell us below.

UPDATED: Monday, 4:02 p.m.
Cheshire schools have made the decision to remain closed on Tuesday as the town and area residents continue to dig out from the storm. A decision on Wednesday will be made tomorrow.

ORIGINAL STORY
Cheshire public works officials are continuing to make headway in clearing roads of snow, but with another storm predicted for Wednesday into Thursday, time is now of the essence.

In an update on the Cheshire town website Monday morning, Cheshire Town Manager Michael Milone said that although all roads are now passable, driving is still extremely dangerous and residents should use caution as they venture out into the community.

No official decision has been made for whether schools will remain closed on Tuesday, Feb. 12, but officials indicated they are "leaning in that direction." An official decision is expected soon.

Let Patch save you time. Get news like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone every day with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.

Here is the latest in updates, released on Monday from the office of Cheshire Town Manager Michael Milone:

Find out what's happening in Cheshirewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

All Town roads are now passable. Crews will begin curb-to-curb cleanup. Storm drains must be cleared, especially with the rain and the warmer temperatures that will be melting snow. Roads must be widened so that there will be room for plows to push the additional snow that is forecasted. And roads must be made wide enough for two lane traffic for the safety of motorists, school buses and emergency vehicles.  We apologize for the inconvenience to homeowners since this will push more snow into the ends of driveways, but it is necessary for public safety.

Town offices are closed tomorrow in recognition of Lincoln's Birthday, but Town Public Works crews will continue to work to complete the storm cleanup.  In addition, contractors are supplementing Town crews to clear intersections to accommodate traffic safely and improve sight lines.

Residents are reminded to please not blow or plow snow back into the roads; it can freeze and create dangerous conditions.

The parking ban is still in effect until further notice.

Trash and recycling collection will be delayed one day for this week (normal Monday pickup will be on Tuesday, normal Tuesday pick up will be on Wednesday, etc.); please try to place your containers in a cleared area of your driveway off the street. Also, collection will most likely take much longer than usual, so please leave your containers out if they have not been picked up by the usual time.

Town offices are open today, however, some Town services or programs may be cancelled. All Artsplace classes, Parks and Recreation classes, and Senior Center programs (including lunch and transportation) for today are cancelled. The Pool will be closed indefinitely. Please check this website for updates.

Some local businesses have not yet had their parking lots cleared and are not open; it is suggested that residents call ahead.

Please do not call the Police Department and PLEASE DO NOT call 911 unless you have a true, serious emergency.

To our residents: your cooperation and willingness to help a neighbor during this historic storm is deeply appreciated.

Check back with Cheshire Patch for further updates as they become available.

Make sure to like Cheshire Patch on Facebook and follow on Twitter for breaking news, daily updates and more!

Find out what's happening in Cheshirewith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here