To the editor:
Our home is on Route 11 North and the sidewalk is approximately 12 to 18 inches from the edge of highway. The same distance continues all along the intersection of Route 11 and Route 31. When the State DOT plows the snow it completely covers the sidewalks with two to three feet of snow.
The state plows travel the routes 11 and 31 twenty-four hours a day, constantly clearing snow as it falls from the heavens. Are we, the property owners or occupants, required to clear the walks every time the plows pass? The State DOT passes our home at least every 15 minutes during heavy snowfalls. We could clear walks in the morning and have two to three feet deposited by noon and again at six o’clock in the evening. Are we expected to clear the walks several times a day? The ordinance specifically states “Each day a violation continues uncorrected shall be considered a separate offense.” Can we expect to receive a citation and $50 fine even if it snows and we are not at home?
On Route 31 East in the area of Thompson Road, the sidewalks are three to four feet from edge of highway, allowing area for the snow deposited by the plows. Those property owners or occupants will be spared the heavier task of clearing the walks.
A snow blower was purchased during my administration in the late ‘90s and continued to be in service until 2016 and then rental equipment was needed in 2017 because the snow blower had exceeded its life use.
This ordinance was adopted in 2012 and only now is it being enforced. Could it be because of poor financial planning and foresight by the highway department to plan their budget appropriately for new equipment? Or was the highway denied funding during the budget processes?
The supervisor has mentioned safety for our high school students walking along Route 31. Does he know that the sidewalk only extends west in front of the school? Students frequently walk east to the teen center and to their vehicles parked at Thee Diner. Isn’t there a concern for their safety?
I neglected to mention that the ordinance also requires “property owners or occupants shall maintain and repair the said sidewalks.” That statement is beyond ridiculous. One would wonder if the basis of this ordinance was written to address damages created by private snow removal companies.
One final question for the supervisor. Will you be asking for additional staff to “police” our properties? Or possibly work hours for someone to prepare the citations?
Joan M. Kesel
Former Town Supervisor
Cicero
Editor’s note: Ms. Kesel read this statement into the minutes of the Nov. 28 Cicero Town Board meeting and submitted it to the Star-Review as a letter to the editor Dec. 7.
