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Common Council Approves New Sidewalk Snow Removal Contract, But It's Still Just Supplemental

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WAER News

Syracuse Common Councilors Monday approved a sidewalk snow removal plan that nearly doubles the mileage of sidewalks to be cleared this coming winter.

In a seven to one vote, councilors agreed to pay JSK Snow Removal $250,000 to clear 78 miles of sidewalk.  Councilor Michael Greene is glad to see the city take action.

"This is going to be Year Two of the pilot and that's a great point to sit back and evaluate what the long-term plan is, but I'm happy that we're going to see the service increase for this year," Greene says. 

Chad Ryan was the lone "no" vote on the program.  He worries the city can’t afford to assume more responsibility for something property owners should be doing.

"I commend them on trying to tackle this issue. I just think it's the wrong way to go about it.  We're punishing the folks who follow the rules to help the folks who don't follow the rules. When they want to do this city-wide, we're going to take on a lot of liability on the quality of the sidewalks. If we're going to have these companies out there doing the sidewalks, they have to be in better shape, so we're going to essentially take over ownership of the sidewalks."

This plan is merely a supplemental snow removal service.  Greene says residents still need to be responsible.

"It's definitely somwhere we're going to have to continue outreach to the owners and tell them it's supplemental. It's still only for storms that are three inches or more, so if there's a scenario where you're getting a two-and-a-half inch storm, the property owner is still going to be required to clear the sidewalk."

The contract begins November 15 and ends April 15.