Lakewood Makes Plans to Keep Ahead of the Snow

Posted on December 2, 2011 By

In a multi-pronged plan, Lakewood Township Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein has announced that the Township is preparing for the safety and convenience of its residents way ahead of this year’s wintery weather forecasts. These plans, including a resident ‘alert’ system, were developed through Committeeman Lichtenstein’s work as liaison to the Office of Emergency Management, and in conjunction with Mayor Menashe Miller and the entire Township Committee.

First of all, in order to prepare for faster and more thorough snow cleanup, the Department of Public Works (DPW) is determining which areas in town need special attention because of the amount of time workers must devote to clearing snow there. Under possible consideration are West Gate except Hillside Ave, Chateau Park, Regency Estates, Elmwood Village, Lakewood Commons, Sterling Forest, Sterling Place, and Lakeview Place. In such cases, privatization may deliver a faster and more financially efficient cleanup.

Committeeman Lichtenstein says, “In case we get hit with a huge snow storm, we are also looking for ‘on call’ people who would be available to help.  Last year, we found that our equipment was sitting idle because our operators who had worked many, many, many hours, needed to go home to rest.    We want to prequalify people to operate our equipment or their own equipment. We have already cleared this plan with the Union, our insurance company, and our attorney to make sure everything is set up properly.”

The Township is also planning to designate an OEM (Office of Emergency Management) snow plow to make sure firehouses and first aid buildings are plowed out; and to help first aiders, fire departments, and the police department during a call if they need assistance in getting around during a snow storm.

Any private companies or individual snow plowers who would like to be considered should obtain an application from Michael Muscillo, the Lakewood Township municipal manager, at the Lakewood Municipal Building, 231 Third Street. Call 732-364-2500 Ext. 5200 for further information. 

Meir Lichtenstein is also advising residents to sign up for township alerts, a progressive way for the town to communicate with its residents, by visiting www.lakewoodnj.gov/alerts.

“We are offering residents a way to sign up for township alerts in specific areas of interest, not only for snow-related situations but for emergency and traffic alerts, school closings, township announcements and events, power outage updates, announcements from the DPW, or even requests for proposals. By using the alert system, residents could find out when to expect certain streets to be plowed or whether trash collection will take place in a part of town because of the snow.

“Please keep in mind that the alert system is a work in progress.  In other words, we’ll see how this system unfolds and how we can best use it to be in communication with our residents.”

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