Politics & Government

Late October Snow Is Being Blamed For Delay in Leaf Removal

DPW officials say leaf pickup is four weeks behind schedule.

The unusual late October snowstorm that left thousands without power and caused power lines, tree limbs and branches to fall throughout Cranford is also being blamed for the delay in leaf pickup in the municipality.

Leaf collection in town is now under way, but officials at the Department of Public Works say the process is about a month behind schedule.

"Leaf collection has begun along with branch pick up from the snowstorm from the end of October. The schedule is four weeks behind," according to a message posted on the township's website.

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Steve Wardell, the assistant superintendent of the , said the storm delayed the usual leaf pickup, as workers had to work to remove the fallen limbs and branches before the actual leaves could be removed.

"The original schedule that we pubished is pretty much shot," Wardell said.

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DPW crews have to visit each street twice in order to remove all of the leaves, branches and debris. They make an initial trip to remove the large branches, and then a return trip to pick up the leaves.

Wardell said that although the pickup schedule is at least four weeks behind, crews are hoping to get at least one leaf pickup done per street before Christmas.

Residents have become increasingly impatient, as they wait for the leaves to be picked up. During a heavy rainstorm that swept through the area on Dec. 7, some community members felt that the buildup of leaves near storm drains resulted in some localized flooding and pooling of water on some streets. Residents should contact the DPW at 908-709-7217 if they believe there are leaves blocking the storm drain.

The township's website asks residents to "please have patience" as the DPW crews work to clear the leaves over the next few weeks.

The DPW is responsible for street cleaning, snow removal, leaf collection, tree trimming, maintenance and custodial services for municipal buildings and properties in town. Leaf collection generally begins in late October and runs through early December. The schedule is in the Cranford Township News, which is mailed to every home in September. Leaves should be raked to the curb on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday before residents' scheduled collection. The leaves can also be placed in biodegradable leaf bags and left behind the curb on the grass - not in the roadway.


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