Snow Ordinance Stirs Up Opinions

Nearly 40 residents expressed both concern and support last night for athat would hold property owners responsible for shoveling sidewalks abutting their property. 

In a meeting that lasted nearly four hours, aldermen and city officials listened to residents voice their opinions on the amendment that proposes a a $50 fine if homeowners do not shovel their sidewalks within 24 hours of a storm.

Ultimately, the meeting came down to an agreement that sidewalks should be cleared, but who should clear them and how they should be cleared lead the way for discussion.

"Personally, I think it's a wonderful idea in a perfect world," said resident and Joe Caruso, who also owns a landscaping company in town.

Several speakers voiced concern about both city plows and private plows piling up snow on the side of the road leaving residents—particularly the elderly—not able to shovel heavy snow that sometimes piles to three or four feet.

The city has said it will enforce penalties on plow drivers or contractors who incorrectly pile and dump snow in the city, particularly on the corner of the streets.

Additionally, the city has proposed setting up a database of local workers willing to shovel walks of those who are disabled or elderly.

According to the Parks & Recreation department, roughly 120 people have signed up in the database, with around 10 workers willing to do it for free.

"I would like to see your names on the volunteer list to shovel," said Newton Highlands resident Mary Kreindel.

Many residents balked at the $50 fine—arguing that the penalty was too steep in a down economy. Questions were also raised about the requirement to clear the entire sidewalk, which, in some locations, can be up to two feet wide.

Other residents questioned the rule to clear walks within 24 hours, and when that time frame begins in terms of snowfall.

Some argued the local government was pushing responsibility onto the citizens that should be handled by the city departments, while others fought that it was the "civic duty" to clear one's own sidewalk.

A few community members present even suggested a Proposition 2 1/2 that could provide funding for the city to handle plowing of all streets and sidewalks. 

"The community has to come together; we have to do this," said Maria Sullivan, who is the PTO president at Ward Elementary School and works with the safe routes to school program.

Many residents who were in favor of the ordinance argued the safety of those who use sidewalks and bicycles to travel to and from work or school. The piled-up snow and ice, proponents say, runs pedestrians into the street and in the way of danger.

With the current economic situation and budget deficits, Sullivan said residents cannot rely upon the city or state alone to clear walkways for pedestrians.

"Clear and accessible sidewalks are critical for the city and those who rely on non-car transportation," said resident and safe-routes parent Alicia Bowman, who was met with applause after her brief comments.

But supporters were not the only ones met with applause, as the room appeared evenly split in terms of who was for and against amending the current snow ordinance, which requires commercial property owners to clear the walks that abut the business's property.

Aldermen share thoughts, questions

Following the hearing, aldermen gave their recommendations and posed questions on the proposed ordinance—several of which showed some skepticism with the current parameters set by the amendment.

Some board members, including President Scott Lennon and Alderman Vicki Danberg, suggested a three-year trial period of the ordinance to allow the city to work out all the bugs in the system and find the best way to get the sidewalks cleared before voting in an official law.

Lennon also suggested a warning before a fine, while others posed the idea of lowering the penalty to $25.

Other board members, however, were willing to move forward on the ordinance in order to start making a difference in the city and work out the kinks along the way.

"My greatest frustration is how long it takes to make things happen (in government)," said Alderman Sydra Schnipper. "You want to do this right, but there is a point where you have to take a leap of faith."

Schnipper, along with other residents at the meeting, referenced the sidewalk plowing in Brookline, Wellesley and Boston and how Newton should be able to handle the task as well.

 Alderman Leonard Gentile disagreed, though, arguing that Newton's sidewalks are better than those in Boston.

Gentile also expressed his concern and frustration with the penalty involved with the ordinance and how it would be "unfair" those people who cannot shovel their sidewalks to fine them $50.

"If (the ordinance) involves a fine, I'm not voting in favor for it," Gentile said.

In addition to other board members, residents who did not speak at the public hearing tonight are allowed to submit written comments to the Board of Aldermen and the Public Safety and Transportation Committee. Those looking to comment can contact the Public Safety and Transportation Committee clerk at ddelaney@newtonma.gov.

Or discuss in comments below: what do you think?