By Courtney Germain
Recently, a student had relayed concerns related to safety in the campus parking lot during the winter months. He recounted that in wintery semesters past, snow in the lot would often obscure the yellow lines the students and faculty utilize to safely park their cars. In addition, the student had expressed trepidation regarding the manner in which the ramps, walk-ways and crosswalks were “sanded”. I was referred to the subterranean floor of the Knight establishment to determine whether all appropriate measures were being taken to ensure the welfare of those using the parking lot in the winter months at our campus.
Upon locating the Physical Plant, I was greeted by Michael Archetto, a pleasant and genial man who carries the title of Assistant Building and Grounds Officer. Mr. Archetto had first stated that the CCRI plowing crew is a conscientious group and a “source of pride” to our establishment. These individuals, who are recruited and employed by the college as opposed to an outside vendor, put forth a constant effort to ensure that the lot is plowed from “curb to curb” on every snowy occasion. The crew utilizes vast amounts of eco-friendly sand and salt for the walkways and ramps and often work overnight shifts as need be. The lot is also checked by security on a continual and constant basis if it happens to snow during school hours. However, Mr. Archetto indicated that it is a “tough situation” for the parkers and plowers alike when we experience day-time snowfall, as he confirmed that accumulating snow may occlude the parking lines, a situation that is compounded with students parking haphazardly with no way for the workers to plow between the cars. While this is a near unavoidable situation, Mr. Archetto assured me that the crew continuously strives to make the parking lot as safe as possible. In addition, he advised that drivers bear in mind to operate differently when there is snow on the pavement-though the posted speed limit reads “20”, strive to adhere to 10 MPH or lower (most notably on the front hill-it gets slippery!) ensure the safety of pedestrians and other drivers.
Upon locating the Physical Plant, I was greeted by Michael Archetto, a pleasant and genial man who carries the title of Assistant Building and Grounds Officer. Mr. Archetto had first stated that the CCRI plowing crew is a conscientious group and a “source of pride” to our establishment. These individuals, who are recruited and employed by the college as opposed to an outside vendor, put forth a constant effort to ensure that the lot is plowed from “curb to curb” on every snowy occasion. The crew utilizes vast amounts of eco-friendly sand and salt for the walkways and ramps and often work overnight shifts as need be. The lot is also checked by security on a continual and constant basis if it happens to snow during school hours. However, Mr. Archetto indicated that it is a “tough situation” for the parkers and plowers alike when we experience day-time snowfall, as he confirmed that accumulating snow may occlude the parking lines, a situation that is compounded with students parking haphazardly with no way for the workers to plow between the cars. While this is a near unavoidable situation, Mr. Archetto assured me that the crew continuously strives to make the parking lot as safe as possible. In addition, he advised that drivers bear in mind to operate differently when there is snow on the pavement-though the posted speed limit reads “20”, strive to adhere to 10 MPH or lower (most notably on the front hill-it gets slippery!) ensure the safety of pedestrians and other drivers.