Other reports of Porter Square Books accident

[ron_newman]

Newspapers have done no meaningful reporting of the Porter Square accident, but local bloggers and photographers have done a great job.

Dave Stallard was in the cafe when it happened, and was slightly injured. He posted this long report to the Usenet newsgroup "ne.general".

Google Blog Search and Technorati Search both link to many accounts and photos of the accident.

Snow Emergency lifted

[sonofabish.livejournal.com]

SOMERVILLE - The City of Somerville is lifting its snow emergency as of 10 a.m. today (Monday). Residents who parked in municipal lots during the recent snow emergency have two hours from 10 a.m. (until noon) in which to move their vehicles before becoming subject to ticketing and towing. Residents are advised to shovel, salt or sand their sidewalks as soon as practicable, but may not shovel snow into the street. Residents with questions about snow removal regulations governing sidewalks and curbs may call the city's Inspectional Services office at 617-625-6600, ext. 5600 - or request information from the city's 311 information and support system by dialing 311 (617-666-3311 from cell phones) or visiting the city's website at www.ci.somerville.ma.us.


Ok, folks, our next project is to get City Hall to change this 2-hour rule. For folks that work, this is impossible. And we really need to see about overhauling the 2-day move it or lose it rule as well, which sucks for people like me who travel for business.

City needs to shovel its sidewalks, too

[ron_newman]

The following is an e-mail I just sent to Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz and cc'd to Denise Provost:

Hi, Rebekah! I used to complain about this to Jack Connolly all the time, now
it's your turn...

The city has not plowed the sidewalk on Day Street next to the municipal parking
lot. This sidewalk is heavily used, and when it is not plowed, people have
to walk in the street.

Since the city requires private property owners to shovel sidewalks, it also
sets a bad example when it leaves its own sidewalks unplowed.

Snow emergency grace period extended

[sonofabish.livejournal.com]

From Somerville's website:

Please be advised that, as a courtesy to residents who may have left for work this morning without moving cars parked in school or municipal lots during the snow emergency, the city will not begin ticketing or towing vehicles in those locations until after 7 p.m. tonight.

Snow emergency policy modifications

[sonofabish.livejournal.com]

Since I found myself with some free time, I wrote an email to my alderman.

If any of you are inclined to do so as well, you can find out what ward you live in here. and that will give you the contact for your alderman as well.

( my email )