Enough snow, already!

We're all tired of the cold white stuff. This isn't Minnesota, after all!

As we can all no doubt agree, there are inherent conflicts between street-widening efforts and sidewalk clearing efforts. The City's snow removal teams have been working continually to recover from this record snowfall, but my guess is that we are at least a week away from "back to normal" - and that includes help from the sun, and no more snow!

Plows running up your street in these efforts may in fact push more snow back onto previously cleared sidewalks or driveways. While crew members are trying to avoid this, it is almost inevitable given the quantity of snow. It's been quite a challenge!

Nonetheless, the greater goal is to widen streets to get traffic moving at a semblance of a normal pace again, and to clear sidewalks for pedestrian safety. City code requires property owners to clear their sidewalks. Enforcement of this law has been suspended, but will be resumed on a limited basis starting Monday Feb. 22nd. Courtesy notices will be issued to property owners along streets which are primary routes to local schools, including Boston, Carroll, Ethan Allen, Flower, Grant, Holly, Maple, Philadelphia and Ritchie.

Please help clear your sidewalks, find the fire hydrants, help your neighbors, and understand we are all in this snowy mess together! Your patience and cooperation are much appreciated!