The historic blizzard of 2016, “Winter Storm Jonas”, has finally moved out of our region and the storm clean-up continues. The Borough Administration, Emergency Management Coordinator, Public Works Department, Police Department and Borough Fire Chief coordinated efforts on the storm response. The Public Works Department began the storm response last Wednesday with the cleaning of inlets and brining of roads. The snow began falling on Friday, January 22nd at 8:00 PM and did not slow down until Midnight on Saturday January 23rd.
The State of Pennsylvania and Jenkintown Borough declared a State of Snow Emergency during the event. This assisted in keeping the automobiles off the roads and allowed emergency crews to work unimpeded.
The PW Department worked throughout the storm plowing roads and applying deicing materials to the roadways. Despite receiving approximately 22” of snow all major roads were cleared for traffic by 7:00 AM on Sunday and all roads were cleared by 8:00 PM on Sunday. The PW Department has worked tirelessly throughout the storm and continue to clear snow and provide access. Additionally the PW Department removed approximately 250 cubic yards of snow from Town Square parking lot and hauled that snow off site to make the Town Square parking lot accessible to businesses, patrons and residents.
There were no reported power outages by PECO and no significant issues encountered during the storm in Jenkintown Borough. There is no scheduled disruption to recycling and household waste pick up.
The temperatures have risen and the snow is beginning to melt. However, as the snow begins to melt during the day, there is the potential for roadway ice to develop as the melted snow freezes as temperatures drop in the evening and overnight. If you must travel, please use extreme caution on the roads as the ice may not always be visible. The Borough will continue to plow and salt roadways where it is necessary in order to attempt to prevent the development of roadway ice as the snow melts over the next couple weeks. There are several roads that have been provided a single lane for traffic. Care and patience must be taken when navigating these roads to be alert for oncoming traffic and allow opposing vehicles clear passage. The Borough did not want to open the width of the passage at the expense of the residents who spent hours digging their vehicles out. The PW Department will continue to plow and widen the access for vehicles on all roads.
The Jenkintown Borough residents once again came together when needed. During snow events of this magnitude there will always be a few issues or concerns that arise that must be prioritized and addressed. At times and on a very limited basis, less than desirable feedback was received. That being said, there was an overwhelming amount of positive feedback voiced by residents and business owners on the handling of the storm response. The Borough takes all feedback seriously and often that feedback is utilized when planning to improve the Borough’s storm cleanup response.
As always, If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email, stop in Borough hall or call 215 885 0700.