Syracuse Lawmakers passed a pilot snow removal program today that will clear 40 miles of city sidewalks when snow falls at rates of three to six inches for the rest of this winter. However, all property owners are still responsible to keep their sidewalks clear. Councilor Michael Greene Chairs the Council’s DPW Committee. He says something needed to be done after two people died last year while walking in city streets because sidewalks were filled with snow.
“Just look at the economy of scale being to have someone that could go with the proper equipment and just hit (plow) a mile of sidewalk all at once. It’s just so much more efficient than after a big storm asking individuals to shovel for an hour their small spots. So, it something that definitely just logically makes sense as to be able to kind of pull the resources and get the right people, the right equipment to kind of add to this.”
Although the majority of members by a vote of 6to 1 were in favor, Councilor Joe Carni was the only ‘no’ vote. He raises the potential for liability concerns because the contract with the snow removal company does not include an insurance policy.
“I’m not the one who clears the snow but, I‘ve heard nothing but great reviews of the company that the city has gone into the contract with. I’m sure that they know better than I about how to clear snow; it’s just the idea that we’re not going to be protected after the fact is of concern.”
JSK Snow Services will be paid $6,000 for the first 10 deployments, then $5,000 after that. President Doug Henry says they’ll use tractors and snow blowers at the direction of the city.
“We’re going to deploy three pieces of equipment… we’re going to be plowing simultaneously around the city. So, we’re not going to deploy any specific sidewalk first. We’re going to start in the city limits and work our way out.”
Henry adds that crews will be travelling against traffic so they will be able to see on-coming traffic. Snow will be cleared along the busiest 20 mile route which doubles to 40 miles because sidewalks exist on both sides of the streets. The program starts February first.
