Brick officials say they are conducting a deep review of the township’s public works operations and contractors following widespread complaints after a February blizzard.
Brick, NJ – Brick Township officials say they are conducting a comprehensive review of snow removal operations following widespread complaints from residents and criticism from one local podcaster, Michael Caldarese of the Brick Breakdown podcast, after a February blizzard left some streets unplowed for days. The township responded to complaints made by Caldarese at the February meeting this week, acknowledging his complaints about how the storm cleanup was handled.
While township leaders initially dismissed Caldarese at an earlier meeting, after he took to his platform to raise awareness, the governing body changed their position at the last town council meeting.
The review will examine the township’s Department of Public Works operations, outside contractors, staffing, and equipment following a storm that dumped more than 18 inches of snow across the community.
Key Points
• Brick officials are reviewing DPW operations and contractor performance after a February blizzard
• Residents reported streets remaining unplowed days after the storm
• A local podcaster’s criticism of the township’s response was referenced during a council meeting
Township reviewing snow response and contractors
Mayor Lisa Crate also acknowledged the township’s snow response fell short of residents’ expectations and said officials are evaluating both preparation and response procedures.
“As mayor, I take responsibility for guiding the township through storms like this,” Crate said in a statement. “We are reviewing both preparation and response efforts to identify needed improvements.”
Crate said Department of Public Works crews began salting roads Saturday evening before the storm and worked extended hours through the event and the days following it to clear snow and ice.
At the time, Brick leaders blamed frozen snow piles, equipment failures, and delays in deploying private contractors contributed to the slow cleanup in some neighborhoods.
Council references criticism during meeting
During a recent Brick Township Council meeting, Councilwoman Lisa Reina referenced comments made by local podcaster Michael Caldarese, host of the “Brick Breakdown,” who has criticized the township’s snow response.
Reina said staffing adjustments had been made to allow what she described as a “deep dive” into the township’s snow removal system.
“To address opportunities identified following the January storm, there have been some staffing changes to permit an assessment and deep dive, if you will, of all employees, outside contractors, and equipment inspection,” Reina said.
The councilwoman also announced the township implemented “snow monitors” during a recent storm to drive through neighborhoods and verify that streets were serviced. Some of those snow monitors turned out to be retired high ranking police officers.
Podcaster questions township response
Caldarese questioned why his comments were raised during a council meeting two weeks after the storm.
“Why was my name mentioned two weeks later? I thought they did everything right?” Caldarese wrote on social media, criticizing the town’s initial response to his complaints after the stom.
He also criticized the township’s decision to deploy snow monitors, comparing them to “snow babysitters,” and suggested the township should focus more on improving operational efficiency.
“But we paid for snow babysitters…. think about that. And i get brought up 2 weeks later, while i was moving snow, and not at the meeting. Who would have thought when i started this I’d make this type of impact. If we all get involved the impact will be felt by all. For the record i like this Council woman so ill be nice,” Caldarese said.
Blizzard created widespread problems
The February storm created major challenges across Brick Township, particularly in residential areas and cul-de-sacs where residents reported roads remaining unplowed days after snowfall. Officials said heavy snowfall followed by freezing temperatures created large frozen snow piles that were difficult to move, while parked cars and icy road conditions also slowed plowing operations.
More than 1,100 homes and businesses reportedly lost power during the storm, further complicating recovery efforts.
Police also urged residents not to call 911 for snow removal complaints and instead report issues through the township’s Department of Public Works reporting system.
Township officials say the review of procedures, contractors, and equipment will continue as they work to improve responses for future storms.