‘Tur Crry of New York Orrice oF THE PRESIDENT Boroui oF MaNHattan Scorr Srrincer Boroven Pavsioent Deputy Mayor Stephen Goldsmith City Hall New York, NY 10007 1 Goldsmith, Dear Deputy May As the City prepares for a potentially severe snow storm over the next 48 hours, it is erucial that we lear from the experience of last week's storm—one of the most severe in New York’ history, with 20 inches of accumulation in some neighborhoods—and avoid the multitude of mistakes that were made, During last week's storm, an uneven distribution of services left some streets unplowed for days and neighborhoods cut off from emergency services. Over 200 ambulances and 1,000 buses were reported stuck on unplowed streets or blocked in by abandoned cars. Overall, these dangerous conditions may have contributed to at least three deaths and several other near fatal incidents, With snow expected to begin falling heavily today, I request an emergency briefing on the City's preparation and activities related to the upcoming snowfall at your earliest convenience. Pursuant to my Charter mandated role in overseeing the coordination of service delivery in our boroughs, we are requesting that the following questions be addressed: Snow Removal ‘© How many city workers, vehicles and other resources will be assigned to each borough to respond to the impending snow fall? © What is the timeline regarding the plowing of primary, secondary and tertiary streets for each borough both during snowfall and afterwards? © What steps will the City take to prioritize snow removal along emergency response route: for hospitals and fire stations? * What is the City’s plan to quickly removed parked vehicles off the streets to facilitate access for emergency response vehicles? © During a 12/31/10 interview on WOR radio Sanitation Commission John Doherty stated that the city needs to look at getting private tow truck drivers and other private equipment into action sooner. How is the City acting on this recommendation? Mowicteat Burp + I CentRe Stat, 1914 Floor * New York, NY 10007 Puowe (212) 669-8300 Fax (212) 669-4306Emergeney Response «What criteria will the City/Office of Emergency Management use to determine whether to declare a snow emergency? * During the snow storm many New Yorkers were unable to get through to 911 and 311, with backlogs of over 1,000 calls reported. What steps are being taken to ensure that New Yorkers will have timely access to these vital information systems? * What notification systems and protocols will be in place 10 notify commuters of potentially hazardous conditions and delays? * How will our City make sure that vulnerable residents, seniors, disabled are getting the services that they need? Transit What steps will be taken to ensure that subway and rail tracks will be kept clear? * During the snow storm numerous City buses became stranded along their route and became obstacles in snow removal. What precautions will be taken to ensure that vehicles are deployed onto streets that have not been adequately plowed? * On December 26, an A train was stranded between the Aqueduct and Rockaway Boulevard stations because of ice on the third rail for seven hours, ‘The 500 passengers went without food, water, bathrooms, and heat. What steps will be taken to ensure the timely arrival of rescue trains and other emergeney services? In emergency situations such as these New Yorkers must know that their government is doing all it can to ensure their safety. Through detailed preparation and communication we can provide the type of response that New Yorkers have come to expect from their C Look forward to your prompt response. ini. ue Scott, aw Manhattan Borough President