Mass. city offering free coffee for reporting potholes

Are you tired of potholes shaking your car? In Leominster, this tough ride could get you a free cup of coffee — if you report the problem, that is.

The City of Leominster has relaunched its annual “Coffee for Potholes” campaign to encourage residents to report potholes in exchange for a free drink from one of the city’s many local partner cafes.

The Leominster Department of Public Works announced the campaign on its social media on April 16. Since then, the city has given out 30 free coffee tickets to people who report potholes, Mayor Dean Mazzarella said. boston.com.

To receive a free drink, residents must first report the pothole by calling DPW, and then they can visit the Mayor’s Office at City Hall during standard business hours to obtain a free drink card from one of the participating stores. Only one card can be issued per person, regardless of the number of potholes reported, according to city officials.

Participating cafes are Aroma Joe’s Coffee, LOV’N DONUTS, Main Street Gift & Cafe, and ROOTS Natural Foods.

The offer only covers repairs within Leominster city limits, Mazzarella said.

The campaign in Leominster has continued during the spring season for the past eight years because of its success, Mazzarella said.

Last year, the department repaired more than 5,000 potholes Statements issued on its website.

Mazzarella said the participation of residents brought a positive and fun energy to this.

“It’s meant to be interactive and to have some fun. That’s the point,” he said. “You’re taking something that’s not exactly fun, like drilling, and getting people involved in it. Next thing you know, you’re having fun and drinking coffee.”