The city has been clearing off sidewalks for years, but they said when they have lots of back-to-back snow events, it takes more time to get to them.
The Finance and Department of Public Works Director Owen Roberts said sidewalks are lower in priority when it comes to snow removal-after clearing the main roads, schools, emergency places, and parking lots.
Roberts said there is an actual ordinance on the books that it’s the responsibility of the homeowner to keep the sidewalks clear and it may fall on homeowners to pick up the slack. He said it’s a matter of safety.
“It’s kids walking to school. It’s people walking to jobs. It’s residents that are walking their pets or taking a walk with their family. And it’s a safety issue because if they’re not walking on the sidewalks, they’re walking on the street. And that presents a whole other set of safety issues,” said Roberts.
Roberts also said sidewalks might be a homeowner’s responsibility to keep clear, but the alley ways are the city’s responsibility.