SPEEDY RELIEF! City program improves snow plowing

After being paralyzed by several winter storms in the past few years, the city has taken steps to improve its system of plowing streets. Earlier this month, the city released its Speedy Relief program that designates certain main arteries as "Snow Emergency Routes." These streets will be completely plowed whenever the city declares a snow emergency. Any vehicles left on the street, including those that are disabled, will be towed and are subject to relevant fees and fines. Protected streets include such main thoroughfares as Walnut, Chestnut, Broad and 38th streets and Roosevelt Boulevard in Northeast Philadelphia. According to Denise Goren, deputy mayor for transportation, the plan was devised in response to last year's unexpected ice storms. "After last year we thought we could do better," she said, adding that it was a simple decision to choose which streets would be protected. "We found the really heavily travelled streets that are important for local businesses -- those we decided to plow curb to curb," she said."If you look at the map, you'll see we have the major streets." Goren and University officials agreed that this system will help aid travel to and from the University in inclement weather. "All cities set similar snow routes," Physical Plant Executive Director James Wargo said. "It helps clear traffic out of the city." But although both Wargo and Paul Cribbins, the University's director of city and Commonwealth relations, praised the plan, they did not actively petition the city government for improved strategies for emergency snow removal. Goren said the plan was drawn up with the city's best interests in mind and will therefore benefit nearby neighborhoods. "Penn is one of the major neighbors in that area," she explained. "We were concerned for any students who drive to class."