A snowy sidewalk in Boston highlighting the importance of winter safety measures.
Boston’s Mayor Michelle Wu is under pressure following a surge in sidewalk citations, with over 1,200 issued to property owners for failing to clear snow and ice. Hospitals report a rise in injuries due to icy conditions, prompting the city to emphasize homeowner responsibilities in maintaining safe sidewalks. As a significant snowstorm approaches, the city prepares with ample snow-removal resources while urging residents to comply with snow-clearing laws or face fines. Community outreach efforts are also being ramped up to support vulnerable populations during the harsh winter weather.
This week, Boston’s Mayor Michelle Wu found herself in the hot seat over the city’s slackness in managing snow and ice on sidewalks. With an alarming total of more than 1,200 citations issued to property owners, it’s clear that the responsibility for keeping pathways clear doesn’t just lie with the city; homeowners are in the spotlight too!
Residents have been feeling the chill, not just from the weather but also from the increase in slips and falls on icy sidewalks. Hospitals are reporting an influx of injuries, showcasing everything from broken bones to nasty bruises. The numbers are genuinely alarming!
During an emergency preparedness meeting, Mayor Wu stated that while the city will undertake the important task of clearing the roads, it’s up to homeowners to maintain their sidewalks. The law in place mandates that any ice must be removed within six hours after it forms, while any snow needs to be cleared within 12 hours of falling. Residents have been nudged to step up and ensure their walkways are safe for everyone.
The city is bracing itself for a notable snowstorm expected to deliver up to eight inches of snow, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service. While neighboring communities like Quincy and Cambridge have already implemented parking bans, Boston hasn’t declared a snow emergency just yet. Nevertheless, preparations are in full swing to tackle potential challenges.
Teams in the Public Works Department are already on the move, with plans to stockpile 41,000 tons of salt and mobilize an arsenal of snow-removal machines, which can number up to 800 if necessary. The priority? Keeping everyone safe, especially our most at-risk neighbors, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and the homeless.
The Wu administration is ramping up efforts to reach vulnerable populations during this extreme cold weather. This includes extending the working hours of outreach teams that provide support to those who need it most. Additionally, the city has formed partnerships with local minority-owned businesses through the Sheltered Market Program, promoting equitable practices within the community.
Residents are gently reminded that they have their share of responsibility. The city is urging all property owners to get their snow shovels at the ready. Not only is it the right thing to do, but failing to comply could result in fines. Luckily, the city has made it easy to find essential information about shoveling requirements, potential penalties for violations, and safety tips for winter storms.
For those who want real-time updates and the ability to report concerns in multiple languages, the AlertBoston system is ready to help residents stay connected and informed. Safety is a joint effort, and working together can help keep Boston safe through winter’s cold embrace.
As temperatures are expected to remain low, and icy conditions linger, Mayor Wu’s administration is determined to enhance community safety and support all residents during the harsh winter weather. Governor Maura Healey has also urged residents to prepare not just for snowfall but for the subsequent bitterly cold weather that comes with it. Here’s to hoping everyone stays safe, warm, and ready for the snowy days ahead!
Boston Battles Winter Woes with Stringent Sidewalk Enforcement
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