The Observation Deck

As many of you are aware I have really been applying pressure to local businesses and city hall to clean up the sidewalks for those who still need to use them every day. I have been getting heat from the business owners who feel they don't have to do it. Up until the ad below ran I was getting help from Mary Simon at City Hall. I am thinking they are upset that I am publicly criticizing them.



I have been calling businesses to remind them about the ordinance and then reporting them if they don't comply. I have repeatedly asked the city for a flyer or something volunteers can pass out and they are not providing it. I call this morning to talk about NTB. NTB has recently hired a new manager. When I first called he didn't beleive me that it was their responsibility and said he would check for himself. I called a few days later and he said he hadn't checked but he will and he didn't understand why I cared. I reminded him that there are citizens forced to walk in the street because of irresponsible businesses. I gave him Mary's number again and he said he would call.

I called Mary to confirm and she said she did talk with him. Over the last few snowfalls NTB has cleared a small section in front of their business and a very small section of the sidestreet after the prior snow. This current snowfall they just cleared in front of their business. I took pictures and called Mary. She told me I was wrong and they had been clearing their sidewalks. When I asked why they were so bad now she said she "wasn't psychic and maybe it was due to the city plows". She said she was done talking with me about it because I was wrong. Here are pictures from this morning. According to the city NTB is IN COMPLIANCE.

more pictures







NTB Obviously knows how to clear a sidewalk, look at their interior walk and pad in front of their door.

As a business manager why would I spend resources clearing a walk for people without cars when I run a car shop? I get it, that is why we need city workers willing to stand up for the citizens and not bend over backwards for the businesses.

I have more pictures from other repeat offenders that the city is doing nothing about coming shortly.

BTW this picture is from 2-2-15 - look any different? According to Mary they are clearing the sidewalks...

As I was taking the pictures at NTB I saw a woman walking. She was open to talking but didn't want her picture or name publish because she "didn't want to cause trouble". She claims she walks around NTB every day since the snow has started because they don't clear the sidewalks. She also said she was told by a Lakewood Police Officer to get off the street.

I called LPD and spoke with Sgt. Fisher. I asked him if it they had a procedure to report the residence or business the walker is in front of if the sidewalk isn't cleared. He said they did not and had me leave a message for Cap. Sprague. I mentioned that if we already have an officer there wouldn't it make sense to report the sidewalk offender as well?

This is a common theme I am starting to see. City Hall works with the businesses but punishes the citizens. We reward outsiders and punish home owners. We reward land developers and leave the sick and elderly without a hospital.

I believe we need to have more people stand up and speak for those cannot.

Another constant offender is Chelsea Gardens Apartments. I actually spoke with the owner once who promised to have it taken care of and has not. Here is their property this morning. The city is aware and has MAYBE sent a letter...

Here is the sidewalk in front of the Dollar store plaza on Sloane.

I know that the city is busy with resident complaints but as a homeowner if I go out to spend money and see that the city isn't making businesses clear their sidewalk it makes me a little less motivated to do mine. I still do it because I care about walkers, even though the only walking I get is snow-blowing and taking pictures around town.

Ryan, First let me thank you for staying on top of this issue. It's dangerous and inexcusable that businesses in Lakewood are allowed to flaunt the city ordinance pertaining to shoveling sidewalks. As Ian Andrews from Lakewood Alive stated " This is a basic, communal, and decent nod to our neighbors that everyone who is physically able (residents and business alike) ought to do each time it snows". Perhaps Mr. Andrews should weigh in on these new developments.

The consistent pattern of this city administration under Mr. Summers and Mr. Siley is to put commercial interests above residents' interests and safety. We cannot allow this to continue.

I agree. As much as we have clashed over the years, I totally agree with you, Ryan, on this and I appreciate your efforts to keep on top of this. The city is remiss in this.

" This is a basic, communal, and decent nod to our neighbors that everyone that is physically able (residents and business alike) ought to do each time it snows". Ian Andrews - Lakewood Alive. The more I think about this, the angrier I get. The city has been provided with photographic evidence (stretching over a period of time) of Lakewood businesses refusing to adhere to the city ordinance on shoveling sidewalks. Mr. Summers and Mr. Siley are willing to gamble with our welfare rather than impose on local businesses the added cost of keeping their sidewalks clear. This is a complete failure of governance. At this point I would like to know where city council stands on this issue. Are they with Mr. Summers and Mr. Siley and those businesses that put us at risk? Or are they going to stand up and protect the welfare of their constituents.
Ms. Madigan, did you hear the rumor about Lakewood businesses refusing to shovel their sidewalks?

Here is a picture from Matt, one of the newest safety inspection volunteers. It is a reminder of why we are making such a big deal about clean sidewalks.

Thank you Matt!

Someone suggested I look up Dru Siley's address and see if the person in charge of enforcing the city ordinance was actually obeying it himself. According to county records this is his home....

You know what I see when I look at these unshoveled walks?

Thousands and thousands and thousands of $$$$$$$ in uncollected fines that could be used to offset the cost of city expenses (like paying the salaries of folks who--for whatever reason--do not collect said fines or enforce existing ordinances)!

To quote our good friend, Garry Rice, " "

Ryan - According to Dru, you can report Dru utilizing the "Report-a-Problem". (See also his retweet of 12/16/13 for a good, ironic laugh.)


Division of Housing and Building
Clear 4 Kids

Please remember to do your part to Keep Your Sidewalk Clear of Snow and Ice for our Lakewood children to walk to/from school and to maintain our status of a walkable City for residents and visitors alike.

Per City Ordinance 521.06 - Every property is required to remove and keep clear, snow and ice from all sidewalks, paths, and/or drives on all areas abutting the property by 8:00 PM same day or after the snow/sleet/freezing rain has ceased falling.

To report snow removal issues in your area, please utilize the "Report-a-Problem" link on our website - http://www.onelakewood.com/ReportProblem/ or call (216) 529-7697.