Haverhill City Councilor Andy Vargas.
Although this may well be the last snow storm of the season, Councilor Andy Vargas launched his Haverhill Sidewalk Shoveling Squad Friday.
His plan aims to match volunteers willing to shovel with residents who are elderly or disabled and unable to clear the sidewalks in front of their homes. The idea came from the City Council’s review unplowed streets and sidewalks after the recent blizzard.
“I think it’s at least an opportunity to run a beta test to see how this works and, if it works well, then hopefully we can implement that year,” he said.
Ordinances require homeowners and businesses to clear snow from sidewalks in front of their properties. In some cases, however, the city’s public works department plows sidewalks as a “courtesy” for residents, but usually the day after a storm.
Vargas explained how an online form he created works. “When you fill out the form, it will give you a set of questions depending on who you are. So, if you’re a volunteer, it will ask you what time are you available, what’s your address, so that we can hopefully match people—volunteers—closest to the sidewalks or residents that are closest to them.”
The form is accessible from his and other Facebook pages and here.
Vargas said the concept is simple. “Letting us know if you need help and, if you’re willing to volunteer, then letting us know that too—just matching people up together—so it’s not a crazy or new idea. Other cities, I’m sure, have done this as well.”
For now, Vargas, himself, will match volunteers to those who need help by plotting the addresses of both on an online map.
Don’t have internet access? The councilor said you may call or text him directly at 978-228-1233 for help.
Snow Emergency
Contrary to usual snow parking rule, residents who park automobiles on the street must continue to park on the odd side of the street until 6 a.m., Sunday, April 2. Vehicles parked on the even side of the street will be ticketed and towed.
Haverhill’s Recycling Center also will be closed Saturday.
And in other “real” news …
A criminal trespasser in this country illegally was arrested in Haverhill yesterday for exposing himself at an apartment complex where there are lots of elderly people and children living.
Police also arrested a couple who was snorting cocaine near Westgate Plaza with a 3 year old child in the car. The cocaine which would have no other way of getting to Haverhill other than from criminal trespassers in the country illegally bringing it here over the southern border.
Shoppers at Market Basket witnessed a poor guy who overdosed right in the doorway of the store yesterday. Another victim of “The Mayor’s Haverhill”.
While insane community organizing liberals like Acorn Andy work to get photo opps, this is what is really happening in Haverhill because of out of control liberalism they promote. Will you be giving out Kool-aid too, Andy?
Bradford Common had an OD yesterday…