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East Cleveland snow trucks down as wintry weather approaches

Posted at 8:18 AM, Dec 14, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-14 22:09:42-05

East Cleveland is dealing with more safety concerns this week as two of their three salt trucks are down.

The salt trucks were down due to electrical issues and are being fixed, according to a statement on the city's website.

Roads are expected to be salted after repairs are done. 

Concerns this week mounted as more snow is forecasted to move in Wednesday evening and impact major thoroughfares like Euclid and Superior Avenues that take hundreds of commuters into and out of downtown Cleveland.

East Cleveland city officials were confident Wednesday that the major roads would be cleared of any snow, but that side streets would take days to clean. 

"We pay for it. We pay our taxes, I feel as though there shouldn't be no problem coming in and doing what they supposed to do as far as the city of East Cleveland," said Travell Gordon, an East Cleveland resident.

Cleveland city officials said they had received no request for assistance from East Cleveland and therefore would not be sending trucks to assist in the cleanup.

Former East Cleveland Councilman, Mansell Baker released this statement:

"The City purchased two brand new trucks under the Community Development Block Grant allocation. One of the new trucks has been placed out of service. The remaining salt truck that the City has is obligated to the hills and main roads once it is repaired. As a resident, I am disappointed that the city has not seen this as a priority, and that we have not purchased enough salt for the winter season. I hold the Mayor and select officials liable for placing the citizens and those who pass through our city in danger.This error in city management has to be corrected, as there may be more dangerous weather on the way. The lack of salt and operable service trucks should be a priority. Cleveland Heights has been helpful in the past on the hills, but we can't rely on them this go around, this is an administrative issue that needs to be taken serious. It is my hope that residents receive the services they pay for," said Baker

East Cleveland Mayor Gary Norton also issued a statement: 

The Ohio Department of Transportation has loaned East Cleveland two salt and plow trucks to help our city take care of its icy and snowy roads. We are very appreciative of this assistance provided by the state of Ohio and the Department of Transportation.