PLOWS: Don't block us in

With winter approaching, I would like to address an issue that affects many people in the community.

As snow plows come through a residential area, they choose not to raise their blades at the end of driveways, which leaves walls of snow for homeowners to remove. This can be a huge problem for some of the elderly people who live alone and are unable to carry the weight of this snow. If they have no help, it means they are unable to get out of their driveway and are confined to their homes temporarily. It also becomes a problem for those with heart conditions who may not be able to carry the weight of these berms.

Those who have jobs may not be able to get out to get to their jobs on time, depending on the amount of snow that falls. If an emergency vehicle needs to get to the home or those in the home have an emergency and need to get out, they are out of luck. This doesn’t cover all of the difficulties, but those that are most important.

Whether you are plowed by your homeowner’s association, the city, or whoever, the same applies. I appreciate the great job these plows do and the quick response they give and I know they have a problem with taking the time to lift their blades for each driveway. On the other hand, the mess that is created becomes someone else’s problem. Is it within the realm of possibility that there could be snow removal equipment following these plows (or any other recommendations)?

I have lived in cities where this problem does not exist so there is a solution out there if someone would look into it. It would be such a relief to not have that worry anymore. Many others share my concern.

CAROL MORRISEN

Post Falls