Snow Response Update on the Lower East Side

Late January brought us heavy snow and extreme cold, followed by the city’s first blizzard since 2016 in February–with more expected before the season’s end. On the Lower East Side, our team focused on keeping the district safe, cleared, and walkable so our neighbors, workers, and visitors could keep getting where they needed to go.

As a Business Improvement District, one of our roles is to supplement the City and support our partners at DSNY so the neighborhood can keep functioning for merchants and residents during winter weather. Our operations team fully deployed to snow response, prioritizing pedestrian safety and accessibility. Crews opened walking paths through plazas using plows and snow blowers, then hand cleared sidewalks, intersections, and curb ramps so people could cross streets safely (with the approximate width of a wheel chair). Those ramps required repeated attention as street snow was pushed back toward the corners.

We coordinated closely with DSNY and addressed locations as concerns were reported, often revisiting areas as conditions shifted. With nearly a month between the storms, we refined our deployment and worked more efficiently the second time.

Residents and merchants noticed, sharing thanks and even coffee with the crew, and the visibility of this work ultimately led to an invitation to ring the Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange as snow removal was ongoing.

Our Clean team on the Ground

As More snow Approaches…

Thank you for giving our crews space to work, and for looking out for neighbors during the storm. With more snow expected, we’re staying ready and will keep working to keep the Lower East Side clear and walkable.

See a spot that needs attention? Email ops@les.nyc or message us via Instagram @lowereastnyc with the location and a quick note.