May 7, 2009 6:36 am US/Eastern
5 Months Later Ice Storm Debris Remains
WORCESTER (WBZ) ―
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Piles of debris left behind from last December's ice storm still litter the streets of Worcester.
WBZ
Summer is just around the corner, but the city of Worcester is still dealing with winter.
Some 100,000 cubic feet of debris in the form of branches and limbs are still littering half the city's streets.
All of it is left over from the winter that packed a wallop.
"It's a fire hazard," said Patrick Delaney, who has a pile of dried up debris in front of his home.
The problem is a dispute over the cost of the $4 million cleanup.
The federal government has pledged to pay 75-percent of the cost, the city of Worcester responsible for the rest, but they will get help from the state.
Department of Public Works Commissioner Robert Moylan says the city could do a faster job, but it can't afford to in these tough economic times and needs the help.
1,500 streets in half the city remain littered, blocking some sidewalks, and limiting views for pedestrians and motorists.
Commissioner Moylan is trying to get all sides to meet face to face as early as Thursday to resolve the issue, and get the work going.
For Worcester resident Eric Crane the constant reminder of winter is frustrating.
"Especially after all the pain we went through," he said.
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