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Syracuse Considering Crackdown on Those Who Don't Shovel Their Sidewalks

Scott Willis
/
WAER News

 Syracuse homeowners might soon be a little more diligent about shoveling their sidewalks during the next snowfall.  But that all depends on how Monday goes – when Syracuse Common Councilors vote on whether the city should impose a $100 fine for homeowners who fail to clear their sidewalks.  
 Common Councilor Bob Dougherty revived and helped amend the legislation.  
Dougherty knows the ordinance is controversial, but feels the city needs to start somewhere to get compliance.  Common councilor Kathleen Joy feels fines are the wrong approach.   

shovel_joy_web.mp3
Councilor Kathleen Joy feels the city needs a plan to clear its OWN sidewalks before fining homeowners.

   
Under the ordinance, homeowners would have until 6 p.m. the day after a snowfall to clear their sidewalks.  Warnings would be issued before a fine is imposed.  The elderly and those with disabilities would  be exempt.  If approved on Monday, the legislation would take effect immediately. 

Scott Willis covers politics, local government, transportation, and arts and culture for WAER. He came to Syracuse from Detroit in 2001, where he began his career in radio as an intern and freelance reporter. Scott is honored and privileged to bring the day’s news and in-depth feature reporting to WAER’s dedicated and generous listeners. You can find him on twitter @swillisWAER and email him at srwillis@syr.edu.