Lynn Residents Criticize Uneven Snow Plowing Compared to Neighboring Towns

Letter writer suggests Lynn's use of pickup trucks instead of larger dump trucks may be the reason for poorer road clearing.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a letter to the editor, Lynn resident Geri McManus noted that the roads in neighboring towns like Peabody and Swampscott are plowed down to the pavement, while most roads in Lynn are not. Another Lynn resident, Bill Reilly, responded with his theory that the primary reason for the poor plowing in Lynn is the city's use of pickup trucks for snow removal, rather than the larger dump trucks used in other communities. Reilly suggests the city offer higher fees to attract more dump truck owners to plow the main roads in Lynn.

Why it matters

Uneven snow plowing between neighboring communities can create frustration and a sense of unfairness among residents. It also raises questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of Lynn's snow removal operations compared to other local governments.

The details

Reilly observed that on Broadway heading into Peabody, there is often an unplowed strip in the middle of the road that remains for days after a storm. He believes this is because the smaller pickup trucks used in Lynn cannot throw the snow from the middle of the road to the edges like the larger dump trucks can in a single pass. Reilly suggests the city offer higher fees to attract more dump truck owners to plow the main roads in Lynn, or equip some of the larger DPW trucks with plows.

  • The letter from Geri McManus was published on March 5, 2026.
  • Reilly's response letter was written shortly after, in preparation for the upcoming 2026-2027 winter season.

The players

Geri McManus

A Lynn resident who wrote a letter to the editor observing the difference in snow plowing quality between Lynn and neighboring towns like Peabody and Swampscott.

Bill Reilly

A Lynn resident who responded to McManus' letter with his theory that Lynn's use of pickup trucks instead of larger dump trucks for snow removal is the primary reason for the poorer road clearing in the city.

Lynn Department of Public Works (DPW)

The city agency responsible for snow removal operations in Lynn.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“On Broadway heading to Peabody, there generally is an unplowed strip in the middle of Broadway to the Peabody line. This is because the little pickups can't throw the snow from the middle to the edge. A large dump truck can do that in one pass.”

— Bill Reilly, Lynn Resident (itemlive.com)

What’s next

The Lynn DPW will need to evaluate its snow removal equipment and practices ahead of the 2026-2027 winter season to address the concerns raised by residents about uneven plowing compared to neighboring towns.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the importance of municipal governments investing in the right equipment and resources to ensure equitable and efficient snow removal services for all residents, regardless of which part of town they live in.