Worcester City Manager Apologizes For Condition Of Streets
WORCESTER (CBS) -- City Manager Ed Augustus wrote a letter apologizing for the city's lack of street maintenance after Tuesday's wintry weather, promising that every Worcester street would be salted and sanded Wednesday.
"In short, we need to do better," said Augustus.
The letter, addressed to the residents of Worcester and posted to the city's website, apologized for the amount of ice on the city's roads. Augustus said the poor conditions were the result of the Department of Public Works misjudging the forecast. He said they did not send plows out Tuesday morning, as forecasts called for warmer temperatures that would melt the snow that fell overnight. The city only sent plows out in the afternoon, once it became apparent those forecasts weren't accurate.
"We made a judgement call that unfortunately turned out to be the wrong one," said Augustus. "As a result, many of the city's streets were not in the condition our taxpayers have the right to expect."
He said the salting and sanding operation was already underway and was expected to be completed before the afternoon commute.
Augustus added that budget concerns do not play a role in storm response.
"We always do what we feel is best for the situation and for public safety," said Augustus. "Every winter storm is different, and comes with unique challenges and variables. Yesterday, we acted on the best information we had. But ultimately, we made the wrong decision."
The letter also assured residents that the city would do everything in their power to operate up to standards as the forecast Wednesday night called for more freezing rain.
