Ohio cities criticized for snow-removal efforts

Associated Press

CINCINNATI

A mostly dry day Friday across much of the state gave road crews a chance to catch up amid gripes from Ohioans about what they see as slow responses to getting side streets cleared after winter’s latest blast of snow and ice this week.

The city of Cleveland reported that 99 percent of residential streets had been plowed, either “curb to curb or around parked cars” as of late Friday morning. The city of Columbus said a fleet of trucks and tractors, augmented by private contractor vehicles, was clearing roads and would continue working into the night Friday.

Columbus city schools decided to close for the third straight Friday, blaming snow-covered secondary streets. Many schools around the state had multiple closings again this week.

Forecasters say some Ohio areas could get relatively light snowfalls this weekend.

There was plenty of criticism in the aftermath of a storm that dumped more than 10 inches of snow Tuesday night and Wednesday in the capital city area. But Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman defended the city’s snow-removal efforts, saying: “I can’t make everything right for everybody.”

Residents of major cities and several outlying areas voiced complaints.