SHA Apologizes for Snow Cleanup Damage (PHOTOS)
UPDATED An official with the State Highway Administration (SHA) is apologizing to Rockville residents who experienced property damage during snow removal operations following last week’s snowstorm.
“SHA apologizes for the situations with snow being projected over sound walls onto residential property,” wrote Charlie Gischlar, SHA’s public information officer, in an email dated Feb. 18. “SHA believes it was a contractor using a snow blowing machine that caused the snow to go over the sound wall. We understand how frustrating this must be to residents. It is definitely not something customers should experience resulting from snow removal operations.”
The property manager of Reqent Square, Bruce Blumberg of Abaris Realty, said at least six homes were damaged by what is believed to be flying debris from snow crews clearing the adjacent I-270 highway of snow and ice following last week’s snowstorm.
Blumberg said the damage includes broken windows, broken furniture, a broken storm door and lots of damage to the siding of the impacted homes.
“Our home was damaged by the snow thrower,” said Weston Schempf, a Regent Square resident. “Two custom sized storm windows and several panes of the interior window were destroyed. We’ve submitted a claim to the state and I know our COA will be doing so, too.”
In a Facebook post, another homeowner in the Rockville neighborhood reported that the incident happened not once but twice last week. The resident said the snow plow contractors – believed to be working for the state – were spotted sending the snow and ice over a retaining wall and into the yards and homes of the adjacent neighbors in the Regent Square community.
Blumberg said no one was injured by the flying debris. When asked if a similar incident had ever happened before, he said no.
“The district shop will need to investigate to find out what went wrong and determine steps to make sure it does not happen again,” said Gischlar. “Citizens that suffered property damage as a result of snow removal operations should file a claim with the State treasurer’s office by calling 1.800.942.0162 or log onto– https://www.treasurer.state.md.us/media/13153/notice_of_claim_form.pdf.”
Blumberg said his property management office is currently getting repair estimates and is addressing the siding damage on the association’s common property. He said his office intends to file a claim against the state for the damage.
Below, are some photos of the window damage to the Schempf residence. Photos | Weston Schempf
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