Jorgensen Tackles Resident Questions at KP Civic Meeting

Snow is no stranger to our area this winter, with Wednesday’s storm being the third in the mere 26 days that have been on the 2011 calendar. Moving, hauling, preparing and just dealing with it is a full time job for many in our area. Where does it all go? What does it cost?

Town of Smithtown Superintendent of Highways, Glen Jorgensen, recently took some time to answer questions from the residents of Kings Park at the Jan. 20 Kings Park Civic Association meeting. You asked, he answered.

 Where does all that snow go?  The majority of the snow goes to Flynn Park. “Many years ago, in May, we still had a pile of snow there. On the outside it looked like dirt, but when we stuck our hand inside, it was snow,” said Jorgensen.

 What happens if a plow hits my mailbox? “We break ‘em, we fix ‘em,” said Jorgensen. The town can usually weld them and can fix about 90% of them," he said. “If we can’t fix them we replace with a standard wooden mailbox,” he said.

 Potholes: “Crew out everyday, started already. We know where they are.”

 Who clears the sidewalks in Kings Park? The Town of Smithtown Highway Department.

“We are one of the only towns that do that,” said Jorgensen. “It is done at night. We spent $15,000 last week to clear the sidewalks, but it makes for a safe community."

 How much has been spent so far in snow removal? “About $60,000 so far,” said Jorgensen. “$1.4 million in the budget and we are under budget so far,” he said.

Now that you have answered our questions, what can we do for you?

“If you have a snow blower, blow to the left or right, not into the street,” said Jorgensen.

One more thing: “Parking. Please get parked cars off the road and help us do a better job.”

Ok, just one more thing. Mrs. Jorgensen was there too. Fighting snow is a family affair.