Sidewalk Snow Removal Scofflaws Create Frosty Relationships: Block Talk

Never underestimate the value of an honest chat to resolve differences over sidewalk snow removal before the dispute turns into a frosty standoff.

That’s the advice of multiple readers who answered our survey for Block Talk, Patch’s exclusive neighborhood etiquette column. We asked readers what to do about snow removal scofflaws.

Sarah, a Beverly-Mt. Greenwood (Illinois) Patch reader who lives in Chicago’s Morgan Park neighborhood, had previously filed complaints about a neighbor who didn’t make arrangements for snow removal before long stints away from home.

She changed her tack the last time he was home during a snowfall.

“He plowed his driveway but not the sidewalk, so I knocked on the door the next day, introduced myself and asked if he needed any help,” Sarah said. “He said he would take care of it, and I told him I’d appreciate it, as it’s difficult with the kids walking to school when it freezes. He took care of it within 10 minutes and has been better about it since.”

In general, Sarah thinks the “right thing” to do is assume neighbors who don’t clear snow as thoroughly as they should need help and shovel for them.

“If you think they are able and are just being inconsiderate, knocking on the door and offering to help while ‘baby-wearing’ will do the trick, in my experience,” Sarah said, adding a “wink” emoji.

‘Don’t Even Own Their Own Shovel’

Strapping on a baby sling and playing to the slacking neighbor’s chivalrous instincts may not work for Lindenhurst (New York) Patch reader Ice.

“I know people who don’t even own their own shovel and assume they will borrow someone else’s shovel,” Ice said.

Ice doesn’t immediately volunteer to clean the neighbor’s sidewalks, but instead waits a day, switching off with another neighbor to clear only “a pathway only for safety reasons and accessibility.”

Victim of Falls, a Vernon (Connecticut) Patch reader, isn’t nearly as patient, for reasons implied in the nickname. “Call the police. Ask them to give the owner a citation. If anyone falls and gets injured. It’s on record,” the reader said.

“It’s ice that terrifies me,” said New York City Patch reader Jade. “When a neighbor doesn’t clear their sidewalk, they are putting all people at risk who walk on that sidewalk. A person can slip on the ice and have a life-altering injury.”

Make no mistake: Doylestown (Pennsylvania) Patch reader MikeeH thinks snow removal is a pain in the spot people are most likely to land on icy sidewalks.

“Report the violation to authorities unless there is a good reason they were unable to clear the walk — in which case, I would try to help clear it,” MikeeH said.

“Speak to the neighbor first,” Mellie, an Abingdon (Pennsylvania) Patch reader said. “Find out if they are elderly or disabled and need help.”

Mellie offered a prescriptive course of action if the neighbors are physically able to clear snow, but for whatever reason do not.

“Remind the neighbor of the rules, tell them you’re speaking with them as a courtesy, and that next time will result in a call to the city or township,” Mellie said. “If the city or township does not respond, put your complaint in writing. Be specific — date you spoke with neighbor and dates of subsequent snowfalls/icing events where sidewalks were not cleared properly.”

Untouched snow could be a signal that something is wrong, said Upper East Side (New York) Patch reader Francie.

“I would call the local precinct and ask if they can check and make sure everything is OK with the homeowner. They might be out of town,” Francie said. “I’d then leave a note saying that if the snow isn’t gone within 24 hours, the Sanitation Department will be notified and they could be fined. Provide a number they can call if they need help.”

“I feel that the town has a responsibility to police this issue as it is a public hazard for the public who use the sidewalks,” said East Haven (Connecticut) Patch reader Kim. “As a runner, I often just choose to run on the side of the road rather than dart in and out because of this issue, and I get yelled at and/or almost hit by cars on the daily.”

Kim is also tired of people complaining they didn’t know about snow removal laws and parking bans after they’ve been ticketed.

“That’s absurd,” Kim said. “It’s your responsibility to know the rules of where you live and abide by them for the greater good of the community.”

Make Shoveling A Block Party

Bridgewater (New Jersey) Patch reader Adam has a chill attitude.

“When clearing my own sidewalk with a snowblower, I also clear neighbors to either side of me. I walk my dogs twice a day, so this is for everyone’s safety but also my convenience,” Adam said. “It takes a few extra minutes, so I don’t understand why others don’t also do it for their neighbors?”

Approach snow removal as a neighborhood and make it a block party, said Patch reader Erika.

“Reach out to the block ahead of time to find out who has a snow blower and who needs help so we can coordinate and do it more easily instead of everyone being on their own,” Erika said. “Elderly homeowners in particular sometimes can’t shovel and are on a fixed income.”

“If I have time, I go with my snowblower and clear my neighbors on both sides,” South Brunswick (New Jersey) Patch reader Moe said. “I gently let them know that I am here to help if needed; otherwise, snow should be removed for their and the neighborhood’s safety.”

Acts like this have helped to create a neighborhood culture.

“My neighbors do the same for me when they have time,” Moe said.

‘I Silently Judge’

Some readers said they are exasperated but aren’t interested in confronting their neighbors.

So, what do they do?

“Talk about them behind their back,” said Ann Onymous, a Holmdel-Hazlet (New Jersey) Patch reader. “Don’t be a lazy neighbor. Hire it out if you can’t shovel.”

“I usually just complain and wear Stabilicers (traction cleats) so I can take my walks,” Milford (Connecticut) Patch reader Snoway said. “But I have always wanted to take photos and shame them on social media.”

“I silently judge, but I don’t think anything else is justified,” said Melrose (Massachusetts) Patch reader Dustin.

“My town doesn't require it, which I think is a shame. People argue that ‘oh the elderly can’t shovel their own sidewalks,’ or even, ‘if you care so much, why don’t you do it?’” Dustin said. “But it’s absurd that the town can’t manage to make walking safe in the same way we do driving.”

SMT, a Hartford (Connecticut) Patch reader, helps out the neighbors with snow shoveling in some situations, but only if it’s clear they can’t do it themselves.

“If they’re just lazy, then no, I will not help them out. Some people take advantage of you, also knowing that you’re the type of person who will take care of it.

“Be a good person. Just do your part. Take responsibility for your property and clear public walks and hydrants,” SMT said. “You never know if it will affect a loved one, a child or elderly neighbor. They could end up hurt or even worse from a serious fall or heart attack.”

Is Shoveling The Government’s Job

Oak Lawn (Illinois) Patch reader Dan doesn’t think neighbors should be put in the position of having to play snow removal cop.

“The village of Oak Lawn should fine those that can and shovel those who can’t,” Dan said. “The village should make sure sidewalks are clear of snow for people who take the bus, walk their dogs or don’t drive to get around.”

Another Illinois resident, Plainfield Patch reader Mike, piled on.

“If it’s called a public sidewalk, then the village should come shovel it,” Mike said. Not only that, “if a snow plow plows snow from the street onto my driveway, I expect them to come shovel it up, and quit being part of the problem.”

Chatham (New Jersey) Patch reader Abernathy doesn’t care what the neighbors do or don’t do about snow.

“As far as responsibility for clearing sidewalks, the town has mandated them, so they should take responsibility to clear them like they do the roads!” Abernathy said.

Marya in Virginia also wants municipal help, too, but not because she thinks she pays for it with her taxes.

“I wish the city provided help for seniors like me. I’m 87,” the Del Ray Patch and Greater Alexandria Patch reader said. “I can’t even walk down my stairs — 11 steps — if snow-covered.”

It’s a pity Huntington (New York) Patch reader Chris doesn’t live closer.

“I have several older neighbors who don’t, or can’t, shovel their own snow,” Chris said. “So while I’m at it on my own property, I do theirs, too.”

‘It Made No Sense’

People who choose to live in snowy states know that clearing snow to make the picturesque landscape safely passable comes with the view, according to TB, who reads Nashua (New Hampshire) Patch and Across America Patch.

“Winters are harsh,” TB said. “If you can’t remove snow yourself, either hire someone or move. In our case, we’ve decided to move down South.”

Being neighborly and a good sport about snow removal haven’t always worked out for TB, whose sense of snow removal etiquette is apparently lost on some neighbors.

“If you plow or blow snow onto your neighbor’s property, you have a responsibility to remove it! I had just finished my driveway when the neighbor’s plow guy dumped snow at the end of my driveway,” TB said. “When I called the neighbor, they were flippant! I forced the issue and eventually they came over and shoveled.”

Another neighbor didn’t know what she didn’t know.

After clearing a small area of the woman’s sidewalk near their shared property line, TB was surprised at her reaction.

“She told me, ‘Don’t.’ My neighbor said the police told her not to clear her property because if someone falls, she’s responsible and will be sued,” TB said, adding,“It made no sense to me” because of “reasonable care” clauses in liability and civil law.

“I tried to explain that school-age children in our neighborhood and I, having dogs, have nowhere to walk, and our road is too busy,” said TB.

TB’s help is no longer appreciated there, but a neighbor on the opposite side has no complaints.

“I think it’s the neighborly thing to do,” TB said.

About Block Talk

Block Talk is a regular Patch feature offering real-world advice from readers on how to resolve everyday neighborhood problems. If you have a neighborhood etiquette question or problem you'd like for us to consider, email beth.dalbey@patch.com, with Block Talk as the subject line.

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