Good morning from the snow covered north east. Though the wind has died down, the snow has not stopped.
I have been up since 5:30am and have yet to see a snow plow on my street (it's 8am now). In fact at one point where I live, everything stopped because it was so bad.
Yesterday our governor, Deval Patrick, issued a travel ban. It started at 4pm yesterday and at the time of issuance it was to last until 1pm today (per the Boston Globe) . It is the first travel ban since 1978 and the fine for violation is hefty, $500.
Actually the Executive Order is open ended, simply saying "until further notice."
Considering how paralyzed this state is at the moment, all this is reasonable.
Then in walks a company with headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana.
They've decided, in their infinite wisdom, to open their 15 Massachusetts malls at noon today.
" . . . although that could be pushed back or canceled altogether."
There no doubt will be some people who want to shop today, and will not be dissuaded by the road and safety hazards or the fine. They deserve to be fined, IMHO.
But for those folks who work for the mall, or work for a store in the mall that will open because of Simon's decision, they do not need the safety issues nor deserve the fine.
Please help us convince Simon Malls that they should just cancel opening for today, all together.
Thank you
Corporate Headquarters
Simon Property Group, Inc.
225 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
(317) 636-1600
contact form
5:22 AM PT: They are already getting yelled at. The "official word" is now 2pm. They shouldn't be open today at all IMHO
8:09 AM PT: Thanks to Siri for providing Simon Malls facebook page.
You can also go there and tell them what you think of this.
10:08 AM PT: per NECN and confirmed on MEMA website
Travel ban lifted for Nantucket and areas WEST of I-91 NOW
everyone else travel ban lifted at 4pm
Travel ban hailed as a success, especially compared to the problems CT is currently having and have had with no ban in place.
10:16 AM PT: Governor Deval Patrick to give press conference at 1:30pm EST