BY TIMOTHY LA ROCHE
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CLAREMONT — When cars pass through the intersection of Bowen and Washington streets, the piles of sand leftover from winter plowing swirl into the air, coating nearby vehicles with a fine layer of dust.
As more than 30 snow events hit the city this winter, the Claremont Department of Public Works dumped about 7,000 tons of sand and salt throughout the city. Along with little chunks of asphalt torn up by winter wear-and-tear, much of the sand remains, having accumulated on front lawns and curbs.
But as the weather begins a slow return to seasonal norms, city officials are offering residents an opportunity to remove the last remnants of winter sand. With Earth Day falling Sunday, residents are encouraged to participate in any of the spring cleaning events hosted by the city starting Saturday.
“We have two objectives in this community-wide clean-up,” Mayor Charlene Lovett said. “One is to spiff up the city. And two is to encourage people to come out and take pride and ownership in the community that they live in.”
As part of the clean-up opportunities offered, residents wishing to dispose of sand can do so free of charge, by bringing the sand to the Transfer Station directly or bagging it for May roadside pickup. Residents are asked not to sweep sand directly into the road.
“If we don’t get there in time and it rains and all that sand is out in the road, it just clogs up our drains and manholes,” DPW Director Scott Sweet said of sweeping sand into the road. “It’s opening a can of worms that I think we don’t want to go down, in my mind.
City councilors will coordinate the community clean-up events, focusing on directing the efforts in their own wards.
“If people in the public have questions, please contact the team leaders in your wards,” Lovett said.
Several larger, citywide clean-up events are offered this weekend as well: On Saturday, the Conservation Commission will be hosting a beautification effort at Ashley Ferry Boat Launch from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., open to residents from around the city. Gloves and bags will be provided to interested residents.
The Transfer Station is also offering free tire disposal to residents from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Businesses are not eligible to participate.
On Sunday, the events continue with cleanup at Windy Hill, Paddy Hollow and Hewitt Roads 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Grissom Lane from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Residents are asked to help pick up trash along the roads. Gloves and bags will be provided to anyone interested.
The Department of Public Works will clean areas with heavy traffic, like Washington Street, to ensure that community members are safe.
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