Boston Schools Closed on Thursday; City Parking Ban Ends at 5 p.m.
Update:
Mayor Marty Walsh released a statement announcing that schools are closed for Thursday, Jan. 29.
“This is a public safety issue. I am confident that our roads are safe and drivable, and that our schools will be clear by tomorrow morning. But, I have grave concerns about the status of our sidewalks and the well-being of students walking to and from their bus stops, or needing to stand in the street when they are waiting for the bus. Our crews will continue to remove snow from the streets and bus stops tonight and our top priority is working with residents and businesses to clear sidewalks to ensure that school will be open on Friday.’’
Original story: Mayor Marty Walsh said on Wednesday that the decision of whether or not to open Boston Public Schools on Thursday will be announced later this evening.
Walsh also announced that the city’s parking ban will remain in effect until 5 p.m.
“Some people might say that’s somewhat excessive, but it’s about clearing out the roads and making sure the roads are safe,’’ said Walsh.
The mayor asked for residents’ cooperation in clearing sidewalks, but advised everyone to make sure they are not throwing the snow into the street. Walsh ordered all city departments to clear the snow from their properties in order to “set the standard’’ for snow removal, and he reminded Bostonians to think of the elderly over the next few days of cleanup.
“If you know of elderly people on your street, please do their shoveling for them,’’ he said.
Walsh said he received calls from the mayors of Philadelphia and New York City, as well as Vice President Joe Biden, offering help to the city of Boston. Walsh also thanked Gov. Charlie Baker for the support of his administration, and said officials were assessing whether or not there was a need to work with the state on cleanup. He said he “absolutely’’ supported Baker’s decision to implement a statewide travel ban Tuesday.
When asked about the rules regarding parking space savers, Walsh did not go into detail or set a time limit for their use, instead saying that “neighbors in Boston should treat each other with respect’’ when using them.
“We just had a blizzard, I am not gonna say how long space savers should be there,’’ said Walsh. “This gets blown out of proportion every single year … My comments right now are going to be blown out of proportion.’’
When asked if Boston would be ready for a Super Bowl parade, Walsh answered: “Listen, I just talked about jinxing.’’
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