CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Chicago aldermen are being urged to make shoveling snow off the sidewalks the city's responsibility, not homeowners’.
Advocates brought their Plow the Sidewalks effort to the public comment period in the city council chamber. The problem, said Jerry, a resident, is that, despite possible fines, not everyone can or does shovel the snow from their walks, and that affects others.
“In the summer, we would see tons of families walking with their strollers, those would all disappear once the first snow hit,” Jerry said.
Snow can make sidewalks impassible for the disabled and others like Clare Fauke, who doesn’t drive. Despite possible fines, she said not everyone shovels their walks.
“I don’t blame my neighbors, many of them, just on our block, are elderly or living with a disability or working two to three jobs to make ends meet, not everybody can plow their sidewalks,” Fauke said.
Another advocate, Cheryl, who’s disabled, is frustrated.
“I am a very active, well-traveled person with disabilities, and, during the winter months, my whole social life, work life, activities are halted because of the snow,” Cheryl said.
The advocates are calling for a $750,000 pilot program where the city would shovel the sidewalks, at least 10 aldermen support that.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Related
