To the Editor:
As a resident of Bayonne for all of my 56 years, I have never been so disappointed in this fine city. It is obvious that the “so called” snow removal was and still is pathetic. What is going on? Isn’t this seen by anyone who is supposed to be taking care of this huge problem?
As a pedestrian, it has been a very big challenge to travel through the city. Broadway has always been known for the convenience of walking or taking a bus wherever you may go. The crosswalks were absolutely shameful. The bus stops were even worse. Many fire hydrants and mailboxes weren’t cleared. I haven’t been below 31st Street, so I really can’t say what that area is like. But I can honestly say that from 31st Street up to 55th Street, it was horrible and very dangerous.
Our merchants are struggling to keep their businesses alive. But how can they when there is absolutely no parking? It is difficult enough to park when there is no snow and ice, but now it is impossible. Doesn’t anyone care enough? Or is it just a lack of “common sense” that in order to keep customers in Bayonne, they do need a place to park? And once they do, they need to be able to walk to where they might be going.
On Tuesday, Jan.11, I called the Parking Authority to see if meter or zone tickets were being issued. The answer was “no.” At least the city had some common sense. They did tell me that the city was issuing tickets for people who didn’t shovel. When that is done, that will take care of the sidewalks. But who will take care of the rest of this city?
So far, the absence of “snow removal” for the winter of 2011 will always be remembered. Hopefully it will be the only year that this will happen.
ELENA BARRESI