Daily Question

Question for Tuesday, February 18th, 2014: Previous Next

What steps should cities take to ensure that sidewalks are passable in winter weather? What responsibilities do residents have?

We have always considered it our responsibility as homeowners and good citizens to clear our sidewalk after a few inches of snow has fallen. We have taught our children how to shovel the drive and sidewalk. Consequently, they are interested in helping others in the neighborhood with shoveling. We feel this leads to responsible young citizens. It seems that the use of commercial plow services has distracted homeowners from keeping their sidewalks clear, but it is essential for the safety of school children, mail carriers and walkers. We would be okay with the city shoveling the sidewalks, only if it did not mean an additional increase in our already hefty taxes.
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One good step the city of CH could take would be to be a good model. I walk a lot, and use what passes for public transportation here. The areas that are the city's responsibility are not all cleared. For example, the deep snow in front of the police shooting range (coupled with the same depth in front of Motorcars) forced me to walk on Superior; the high levels of snow at the bus stop on Mayfield (RTA says it's the city's responsibility), covered of course with an extra layer of snow deposited by the city's plows, forced me to wait for my bus in a traffic lane of Mayfield. Even before citing residents, the city could clean up its own act...
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Please print in all water bills, as you do other important city matters, that all residents and landlords are responsible for clearing the sidewalks in front of their properties. Ts information is not widely known.
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On my street, most of the walks remained unshoveled following the worst snowfalls and eventually were packed down into usable, tho slippery paths. But a few dense pileups left on the sidewalk after driveway plowing are impassable. There is one house on my street where a massive pile has remained untouched for over 3 weeks and continues to obstruct the sidewalk.
My suggestion: the city should send out an informational postcard in early January, advising residents to keep walks unobstructed and warning of potential fines. The postcard should include a phone number for reporting complaints.
This would be a cheap and timely reminder to consider the safety of your neighbors and all the delivery and service people who need to use the sidewalks -- not just one's own driveway.
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First the city needs to inform the public that they are not at risk of being sued if they clear their walks, and that they can risk a fine if they do not clear them. We could also encourage residents with snow blowers to help their neighbors. When I use my snow blower I find that it only takes a few minutes to clear a path to the end of my street and to clear sidewalks on several lots in the opposite direction. We should prohibit snow plowing contractors from piling snow from driveways onto the sidewalks. Finally, the city should set a good example by making sure all public and commercial walks are cleared.
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This is kind of a tricky question because everyone is not capable of shoveling. Homeowners and landlords should shovel the sidewalks when the snow falls more than three inches. Elderly and disabled people who cannot shovel should receive help in some way.
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I'd like to see an escalating series of warnings, followed by citations. Warnings are key, since I think some homeowners and renters don't realize they have a legal responsibility to maintain their sidewalks. I also think there should be assistance available to those who truly aren't able to do the job themselves.
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