SALEM — Looking for a sign of spring? Well, it may not have the charm of crocuses in bloom, but Monday is the first day of street sweeping.
Starting next week and running through June 2, city sweepers will clear the winter sand, salt and debris from residential streets. As in past years, streets will be swept the day after trash pickup day. And, once again, residents will have to alternate parking their cars on opposite sides of the street on odd-numbered and even-numbered sweeping days.
On April 1, the city will begin a separate sweeping program on entrance corridors — North Street, Boston Street, Lafayette Street and other roads leading into the city. There also is a sweeping program through The Point neighborhood.
The city is making a special effort to notify residents before sweeping days to avoid tows and fines. The reverse-911 phone system will be used to send out notices about the start of street sweeping. Fliers will be placed on cars along entrance corridors, and orange tow zone signs also will be used.
"Our goal is to clean the streets, not to tow cars, so please park accordingly during scheduled street sweeping days," Public Services Director Richard Rennard said in a press release.
Calendars with street-sweeping schedules are available at City Hall and the public library, or by calling the Public Services Department at 978-744-3302 or 978-745-9595, ext. 5676. Residents also can find information at the city Web site at www.salem.com.
