In recent weeks the issue of “Snow Birds” has been brought to the attention of neighborhood association staff and to the GRPD.

“Snow Birds” are more commonly referred to as vehicles that have been dumped, left, vacated and/or forgotten on our roadways.  Beyond being unsightly, potential headaches for residents trying to find a parking spot close to home…a snow bird also causes another problem. City of GR service vehicles such as refuse removal and recycle trucks cannot move as safely as desired down our streets.  Likewise, City of GR   snow plows cannot effectively clear snow from a street that has been littered by snow birds.  If you check the recent crime statistics for Midtown you will see an inordinate number of “vehicles towed”. In all 22 vehicles since the 1st of January…meaning we are just shy of a vehicle a day average for the year!   The majority of these vehicles are “Snow Birds” .  The towing of these vehicles is expensive.  There are unavoidable  and non-refundable costs to the vehicles owner to reclaim a towed vehicle.  Among these costs are 1) towing fees 2) daily impound fees

Please consider this neighborhood wide concern and call GRPD to report suspicious vehicles that you feel may be potential “Snow Birds”.  It is in everyone’s best interest to maintain clear, safe streets for our collective use.