Providence residents, businesses frustrated days after snowstorm leaves streets buried
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Three days after a major winter storm, many Providence neighborhoods are still dealing with snow-packed streets, blocked parking and sidewalks that remain largely untouched, leaving residents frustrated and some small businesses struggling to reopen.
Across the city, side streets appear only partially plowed, with snow pushed into large mounds along curbs. In several neighborhoods, drivers say roads were not cleared curb to curb, making parking difficult and, at times, dangerous.
George, who lives near Tell Street, said he was surprised by how little progress had been made days after the storm.
“Not very well,” George said when asked how the city handled snow removal. He said his car slid almost 50 feet while traveling about 10 miles per hour and nearly collided with another vehicle.
“They only plowed about this much of the street,” he said, gesturing to the narrow strip of pavement that remained clear. “As you can see, I am shoveling the rest out so I can park my car.”
On Courtland Street, snowbanks rise knee-high in some areas.
“You can’t get onto the sidewalk because you have to climb over a hill of snow,” said Jake Short, who lives nearby. He said the conditions are especially challenging for families with young children and people who rely on public transportation.
Others echoed concerns that side streets and pedestrian access were treated as a lower priority.
“To get around the side streets felt like an afterthought,” said Jack Zornado, who lives in Providence. He added that navigating the city on foot has been difficult and frustrating.
The lingering snow has also taken a toll on local businesses.
Elyse Farnsworth, the owner of Arrow Salon on Rochambeau Avenue, said her business has been closed for two days because snow piled several feet from the curb has blocked all available street parking.
“We’ve all had to cancel two full days of clients now because there’s just nowhere to park,” Farnsworth said.
The Smiley administration acknowledged issues with the city’s 311 system, which residents use to report service concerns. In a statement, spokesperson Josh Estrella said the system was overwhelmed by the volume of calls following the storm.
“Due to the substantial increase in calls this weekend and this week, the City’s mailbox temporarily reached capacity and needed vendor support while staff continued to triage incoming calls,” Estrella said. “The inbox is now cleared, and staffing has been increased in the call center.”
Estrella said requests can still be submitted through the city’s website or by email at PVD311@providenceri.gov.
Regarding snow removal, city officials said the Providence Department of Public Works crews began pre-treating roads early Sunday morning and worked continuously for 36 hours through Monday. Officials described the storm as one of the most severe in years, complicated by additional snowfall on Monday.
According to the city, crews initially focused on clearing main roads, overpasses and hospital routes, then shifted attention to making side streets passable. Officials said crews will continue clearing neighborhood streets and removing snow piles in the coming days.
Still, some residents say the response has fallen short.
“I just feel a little frustrated with the taxpayer dollar,” Zornado said.
With more snow possible this weekend, residents and business owners say they are hoping conditions will improve before the next storm arrives.
