Our recent snowstorm last week presented several challenges to our neighborhood residents. Not only did the snow accumulate quickly, it also was one of the heaviest (dense wet snow) snowfalls that we have experienced. The Independence Valley Board was contacted by a few homeowners regarding plowed snow at their driveway skirt, and some experienced mailbox damage. In each case that we were contacted, we reviewed the details and discussed the situation with our snow removal company.
As these events are very unfortunate, damage can occur when very heavy snow is pushed off the road surface. Our snow removal contractor follows the same guidelines that are applied by our municipal state and county snow removal services. The contractors are requested to clear the full road surface during removal operations. The homeowner placement of road edge markers aids in the identification of the road surface. The snowplow operation does result in additional snow accumulation at the skirts of our driveways. In heavy snow accumulation, this plowed snow can also damage/relocate some mailboxes. Municipal contractors and our local contractor would be responsible for the repair/replacement of damaged mailboxes if the plow truck equipment directly strikes our mailboxes. Mailbox damage from the movement of snow during plow operations is the responsibility of the homeowner. We reviewed the neighborhood at the conclusion of the snow event and it appeared that the damaged mailboxes resulted from the movement of snow onto the road shoulder. In the case of Thursday’s snowfall, the contractor did make at least 2 passes during the snowstorm to improve our drivability, and minimize possible damage from heavy snow movement.
If you believe your mailbox was directly struck by the snowplow equipment, please contact a Board member or IVSAClarkston@gmail.com and we will put you in touch with the local contractor. We regret that this heavy snow accumulation and removal has caused frustration for some of our neighbors.
Thank you for your understanding,
Your IVSA Board
