The Observation Deck

I know it MIGHT be early to bring up this perennial discussion (that I assume has come up on here before) but as the chill comes in we are months (hopefully) away from more snow again. And again Lakewood students, in the most walkable city in Ohio (reminder: http://www.cleveland.com/lakewood/index ... he_mo.html ) will deal with the fact that our kind neighbors will once again, at least in 50% of the homes or more, fail to shovel their sidewalks. Last two winters were horrible and all signs point to easier weather but who knows.

Since common civic courtesy and children (and adult!) health and safety concern doesn't seem to motivate people to do the right thing, what else can be done to address this in the coming year before it becomes an issue.

Again.

Thanks!

Phil

Hi Phil,

Thanks for bringing this up. City ordinance does indeed require that sidewalks in business districts (Detroit, Madison W. 117th, Berea Rd, etc.) be cleared by 9:00 A.M. each day and within 24 hrs. post-snowfall in all other areas.

Winter after winter, the same businesses/residences seem to never get the message. This past winter, Bob Evans would clear an extremely narrow path from their parking lot to the door and ignore the rest of the sidewalk. The small plaza with Grey Dog Diner at Detroit & Nicholson is also a chronic offender, as well as the convenience store across Cohassett from Drug Mart. I think an elderly man in a wheelchair got stuck on their sidewalk last winter.

On a positive note, the majority of the apartments on Edgewater on the Gold Coast (Lake House, Lake Shore Towers, Berkshire, etc.), have people out very early in the morning shovelling the sidewalks after a night of snowfall so people can get around. Kudos to these workers and apartment managers. Lakewood Hardware, most churches, the schools, and the library are also very prompt with clearing their sidewalks. Kudos to them as well.

There are certain circumstances where the person may not be able to shovel (elderly, disabled, etc.). However, when situations like this arise, the city needs to get the person in touch with city programs and resources that can assist them.

In most situations however, there really is no excuse. I always clear my sidewalk as soon as I can after snowfall ceases. Sometimes if it is a blizzard, I will even go out every few hours during the storm and shovel.

I think the solution is really quite simple. If a complaint is received, a warning letter or two sent to the property owner per year is fair. However, if a second letter is sent, that letter should state that there will be no more warnings. If you fail to clear your walk again, the city will clear it for you automatically and bill you the costs. Main streets and streets around schools should be given enforcement priority, followed by other streets.

My son fell over on Arlington last year on a sidewalk covered with ice. He made an accident report with the police. If you or anyone you know falls, call the police and have them come out to make a report. They will photograph any injuries you have as well as the area of sidewalk you fell on. If you end up in a lot of pain later, a police report will give you recourse.

Lori Allen _ wrote:Hi Phil,

Thanks for bringing this up. City ordinance does indeed require that sidewalks in business districts (Detroit, Madison W. 117th, Berea Rd, etc.) be cleared by 9:00 A.M. each day and within 24 hrs. post-snowfall in all other areas.

Winter after winter, the same businesses/residences seem to never get the message. This past winter, Bob Evans would clear an extremely narrow path from their parking lot to the door and ignore the rest of the sidewalk. The small plaza with Grey Dog Diner at Detroit & Nicholson is also a chronic offender, as well as the convenience store across Cohassett from Drug Mart. I think an elderly man in a wheelchair got stuck on their sidewalk last winter.

On a positive note, the majority of the apartments on Edgewater on the Gold Coast (Lake House, Lake Shore Towers, Berkshire, etc.), have people out very early in the morning shovelling the sidewalks after a night of snowfall so people can get around. Kudos to these workers and apartment managers. Lakewood Hardware, most churches, the schools, and the library are also very prompt with clearing their sidewalks. Kudos to them as well.

There are certain circumstances where the person may not be able to shovel (elderly, disabled, etc.). However, when situations like this arise, the city needs to get the person in touch with city programs and resources that can assist them.

In most situations however, there really is no excuse. I always clear my sidewalk as soon as I can after snowfall ceases. Sometimes if it is a blizzard, I will even go out every few hours during the storm and shovel.

I think the solution is really quite simple. If a complaint is received, a warning letter or two sent to the property owner per year is fair. However, if a second letter is sent, that letter should state that there will be no more warnings. If you fail to clear your walk again, the city will clear it for you automatically and bill you the costs. Main streets and streets around schools should be given enforcement priority, followed by other streets.

My son fell over on Arlington last year on a sidewalk covered with ice. He made an accident report with the police. If you or anyone you know falls, call the police and have them come out to make a report. They will photograph any injuries you have as well as the area of sidewalk you fell on. If you end up in a lot of pain later, a police report will give you recourse.

This is good info. It would be a good lesson for youth walking to school to take note of repeat offenders and make note of it, too. Time to hold neighbors accountable. I like the idea of the work getting done and just billing the homeowner (or landlord in the case of an apartment building).

So the city ordinance only covers business districts? When I was young, I didn't shovel my sidewalk very often. But now I shovel it all the time (occasionally when it snows for days straight I get behind because it's hard to go out there 6 times in 48 hours). And in the last 2 years, I've gotten dogs who need a walk every day (even if its just very short). I'm expecting to break my arm on one of these walks because so many in my neighborhood leave their sidewalks an icy mess.

However, it seems crazy to expect the city to come and shovel and then for someone from the city to try and collect that money. Isn't there a way to just give them a ticket and make them come to court (and force them to get out and shovel it themselves)?

Phil,

I am glad you brought this up. Last year there was a group of us that directly called on businesses and reported chronic residents to the city. We also tried to commit to personally helping as many of our neighbors as possible. We did have a lot of success when we called directly on the businesses. Getting the city involved was a bit bit more challenging, hopefully they will be more responsive this year.

If anyone is interested in being a volunteer this year in a small area around your home I would be happy to help organize it again this year. Also if you know someone that is physically unable to clear their sidewalk and needs help we can pass that information on as well. Just email me at ryan@ryansalo.com.