14 North Shore Towers Courier n March 2015 or risking flooding, which can then freeze, creating a disastrous situation. All in all, tens of thousands of pounds of salt are used in a season. A single application of Magic Salt alone equals 9000 lbs of substance. Even in the days following a storm, crews are clearing accumulated snow and discarding it on the golf course. But O’Neill is quick to note that none of the excess snow is dumped onto maintenaced turf. Rather the cart lanes and rough areas are used. Gypsum is used with the various salts to reduce salinity, which can adversely affect the environment. Even the “green” Magic Salt is treated, as even untreated snow contains levels of salt, which can harm plants Cairo and O’Neill have been working together at North Shore Towers for more than a decade. Still, they, along with Debysingh, the building supers and other staff members, convene after each storm to review their performance and determine where improvements can be made. “There’s always ways to improve efficiency,” says Cairo. “But I have the best equipment, quality people… What more could you ask for!” Photo by Stephen Vrattos Snow Men (l. to r.) Assistant Grounds Superintendent Rafael Martinez, Grounds Superintendent Eric O’Neil, Building Superintendent John Kenny, General Superintendent Steve Cairo, Building Superintendent Manny Bernacet, Building Superintendent Melbis Peguero General Admission “Snow removal is a team effort coordinated by of our Department Heads and involves our three Supers and many of our dedicated Employees. We monitor the weather reports and begin to prepare long before the storm arrives. We stockpile ice melt long before the Winter season begins. Everyone has a defined area of responsibility. “Our Security Department cones off several parking areas, so that the plows can have unobstructed access, and place flashing lights to mark critical locations that could be damaged during plowing. Our Building staff, along with our Golf Course Grounds Crew, plow roadways, sidewalks and clear paths in front of the Buildings. “Due to the many stores and amenities at North Shore Towers, residents have little need to leave the property before or during the snowfall. In order to keep our amenities, like our Country Club, gym and indoor pool open for our resident’s enjoyment, many of our staff, including myself, sleep over on the property, so that we do not have to worry about getting here during the storm. I would like to thank Country Club Manager Mary Anne Langone, as she and her staff do this every storm. I am very proud of the job all of our employees do to keep the property passible for our residents and guests.” North Shore Towers General Manager Glen Kotowski praises his crew Photo by Julie Weissman Photo by Julie Weissman
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