Snow strategy

To the editor:

Recent published comments regarding sidewalk snow removal are interesting. Current regulations regarding snow removal are totally ludicrous, allowing five days after a complaint has been received! To note a commissioner as saying, “We do not want to be too harsh,” translates “We think it unimportant.” No matter the penalty, it affects only those who are noncompliant! Also, one hates to see city ordinances enforced on a complaint-only basis, as seems to be done routinely. It’s difficult but not impossible to convince tenants to do that chore.

A proposed solution: Target a midtown area. The city would keep lists of those willing to remove snow for pay. Patrons could then remove snow themselves or make use of the list to hire someone. Make use of volunteer monitors who would note walks not cleared within nine daylight hours after snowfall ends. Those noncompliant would be fined $100 plus snow removal costs and the jobs turned over to those who had made themselves available. The fine could be abated for those owners who are essentially unable to pay.

Such a program would be a moneymaker, costing the city nothing. It also would not penalize those who choose to be neighborly and clear their sidewalks. Due to this forum’s requirements for brevity, details are not addressed here.

If the issue is truly “unimportant,” let’s quit kidding ourselves and remove any ordinance regarding snow removal.

Lawrence Bodle,
Lawrence