NYC Sidewalk Snow Removal: A Patchwork of Duty and Resident Frustration
New York City residents are navigating a frustrating post-snowstorm reality: while many diligently cleared their sidewalks after Friday and Saturday’s snowfall, significant stretches – especially near state and city-owned properties – remain treacherous. Over four inches of snow fell, and the uneven response to clearing sidewalks is raising questions about accountability and safety.
This isn’t just about inconvenience.It’s about accessibility and preventing injuries. As one resident, Escalante, pointed out, “It’s hard to walk…for a woman with a baby, it’s very arduous and very dangerous.” Let’s break down what’s happening, who’s responsible, and what you can do.
The Uneven Enforcement Landscape
The city has been actively issuing fines to private property owners who haven’t cleared their sidewalks.Over 3,000 tickets have been handed out sence Saturday night, ranging from $100 to $350 for repeat offenders. However, a critical loophole exists: these rules don’t apply to the city itself, or to properties owned by the state.
This discrepancy is leading to hazardous conditions. Gothamist’s investigation revealed uncleared walkways adjacent to state-owned properties like the MTA trainyard on Atlantic Avenue, Commodore Barry Park in Fort Greene, and Dean Playground in Prospect Heights - even days after the snow stopped falling.
Here’s a rapid guide to sidewalk clearing timelines for property owners:
* 7 a.m. – 4:59 p.m. snowfall: 4-hour grace period to clear.
* 5 p.m. - 8:59 p.m. snowfall: 14-hour grace period.
* 9 p.m. – 6:59 a.m. snowfall: Deadline of 11 a.m. the following day.
While the snowfall didn’t reach predicted levels, thousands of property owners still failed to comply with the city’s regulations.
Who Is Responsible? A Complex Web
Determining responsibility isn’t always straightforward.The MTA, for example, stated they weren’t responsible for the sidewalk on Atlantic Avenue, identifying the State Economic Progress Corporation as the property owner.However, that agency didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
This lack of clear ownership and proactive response is a recurring theme. The city’s Parks Department, responsible for 2,000 miles of pathways, typically deploys 1,000 workers for snow removal.But, as demonstrated at Dean Playground, action often requires a direct complaint to trigger a response.
“This is a mess. It just creates a risk for injury,” said local resident Luis Peralta, highlighting the immediate danger posed by uncleared sidewalks. thankfully, after gothamist’s inquiry, a parks Department crew cleared the sidewalk at Dean Playground.
What the City is Doing (and Not Doing)
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is monitoring reports of icy sidewalks on city-owned property and issuing internal memos to address the issues. However, they cannot issue fines to other government agencies.
Joshua Goodman, a DSNY spokesperson, clarified their approach: ”We do clear some pedestrian infrastructure like bus stops and areas around fire hydrants, but we don’t bill anyone for that.” The department relies on reactive measures rather than proactive, widespread sidewalk clearing.
This reactive approach is frustrating for residents. As one New Yorker succinctly put it, “Why do I have to clear my sidewalk? You just want to write the property owner a ticket? No, we don’t want somebody to fall and break their head open because you couldn’t be bothered to get out of bed.”
Your Role in Ensuring Safe Streets
You play a vital role in keeping your community safe. Here’s how you can help:
* Clear your sidewalk promptly: Adhere to the city’s timelines based on when the snow stops falling.
* Report uncleared sidewalks: Use 311 online or via the 311 app to report hazardous conditions. This is the most effective way to prompt action.
* Be aware of your surroundings: Exercise caution when walking, especially in areas near state or city-owned properties.
* Advocate for change: Contact your local representatives to express your concerns about the inconsistent enforcement
