Boston Council Explores Snow Corps and Snowmelters After Record Two-Storm Winter

BOSTON — March 3, 2026 — Boston City Council hears calls for paid snow corps and expanded snowmelters after historic two-storm winter. The Committee on City Services, chaired by Councilor Edward M. Flynn, held a three-hour public hearing March 3 on three combined dockets covering snow removal relief, a snow corps, and snowmelter procurement. Interim Chief of Streets Nick Gove reported the city received 61.6 inches of snow this winter — the most since 2015 — deploying 115,000 tons of salt and hauling roughly 170,000 cubic yards of snow from as many as 14 active snow farms. Disability rights advocate Cassandra Xavier, who is blind and deaf, described being forced to "shoreline" along moving traffic because blocked curb cuts left her no safe path, and Commissioner of Disabilities Kristen McCosh confirmed at least one formal ADA grievance was filed this winter over uncleared crosswalks. Councilor Brian Worrell, lead sponsor of the snow corps docket, secured a commitment from Flynn to schedule a working session within 30 to 60 days; Councilor Julia M. Mejia closed by calling it "highly unacceptable" that city officials departed before public testimony concluded.