By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Members of the Buffalo Common Council held a hearing Wednesday on the city's snow removal efforts in the wake of a devastating lake effect storm three weeks ago.
Three feet of snow fell, paralyzing the city's south side. There was so much snow that it took a couple of days to completely clear all streets. Much of the snow had to be removed by trucks to the old Republic Steel site.
South District Council Member Michael Kearns chaired the hearing. He said he believes the city can do a better job.
Arthur Robinson, a block club leader in the Seneca-Babcock neighborhood, agreed. He said the Mayor should have imposed a driving ban sooner.
"Those coming into the city who were impacted so bad should have been told, through a driving ban, to stay home," Robinson said.
The State Thruway Authority conceded it needs to improve communication and coordination with local authorities in a storm. The authority closed to the Thruway, forcing hundreds of large tractor trailers onto snow-clogged city streets, complicating the snow removal effort.