Paterson Mayor Defends Snow Removal Efforts as Residents Voice Frustration

Residents express concerns over slow pace of snow cleanup, but mayor credits warmer temperatures for helping speed up melting process.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Following a major blizzard in Paterson, New Jersey, Mayor Andre Sayegh is defending the city's snow removal efforts as residents voice frustration over the slow pace of cleanup. While salt trucks have been working to improve road conditions, many streets have melted down to blacktop due to rising temperatures. The mayor credits the warmer weather for helping speed up the melting process, but some residents argue the salt is not doing enough. Officials are urging residents not to throw snow back into the streets or attempt to save parking spots as crews continue working to clear remaining piles of snow.

Why it matters

Effective snow removal is a critical issue for Paterson residents, as the city's infrastructure and transportation network can be severely impacted by heavy snowfall. The mayor's response to resident concerns about the pace of cleanup highlights the challenges cities face in balancing limited resources and weather conditions during major winter storms.

The details

Salt trucks have been traveling through problem areas in Paterson in an effort to improve road conditions. Combined with sunshine and rising temperatures, most streets in the city have melted down to blacktop. Mayor Andre Sayegh says he has been hearing from residents and insists the city has been responding to trouble spots, defending the overall snow removal effort. Many residents have dug their cars out of the heavy snow and placed markers to reserve parking spots, which the mayor is urging them not to do.

  • On Monday, a major blizzard hit Paterson, New Jersey.
  • As of Wednesday, Paterson schools have reopened following the storm.

The players

Andre Sayegh

The mayor of Paterson, New Jersey, who is defending the city's snow removal efforts in response to resident frustration.

Paterson Residents

Residents of Paterson, New Jersey who are voicing frustration over the slow pace of snow cleanup in the city following the recent blizzard.

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What they’re saying

“We got hit harder this time, but what helped were the temperatures. We do need some cooperation from Mother Nature.”

— Andre Sayegh, Mayor of Paterson, New Jersey (abc7ny.com)

What’s next

Officials are reminding motorists to use caution, as snowbanks may block visibility and some streets could still be icy.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the challenges cities face in effectively responding to major winter storms, as they must balance limited resources, weather conditions, and resident concerns about the pace of snow removal. The mayor's defense of the city's efforts and call for cooperation from residents underscores the need for a coordinated and responsive approach to snow cleanup in urban areas.