(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The city of Chicago is moving ahead with plans to test out free snow and ice removal for residents’ sidewalks next year.
The pilot program will run in four areas that are 1.5 square miles each.
They include portions of Belmont Cragin, Gage Park, Englewood and Uptown.View the maps here.
Alderman Gil Villegas (36th) says the working group wanted to include a wide array of people who may need the help.
“We took a look at very dense areas. We took a look at neighborhood areas – taking a look at the population of seniors, persons with disabilities, young families that have strollers,” Villegas said.
He says the pilot program is expected to cost the city upwards of $3.5 million, depending on the weather.
Villegas says half a million people would see the benefits.
“Plowing the sidewalk would allow people that may have physical disabilities, or may be elderly, or maybe have young families, the ability to participate in their local economy.”
Streets and Sanitation and the Department of Transportation will solicit bids for companies to do the work. Additionally, the City Council needs to appropriate money for the project to start in January.
If successful next year, the plan would be to expand it citywide.
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