Before snow goes, panel to dig into shovel law

John Howell
Posted 3/12/15

Many sidewalks are still obscured by mounds of snow, even though city ordinances require abutting property owners to shovel them or face a $100 fine.

And this evening, City Municipal Court Judge …

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Before snow goes, panel to dig into shovel law

Posted

Many sidewalks are still obscured by mounds of snow, even though city ordinances require abutting property owners to shovel them or face a $100 fine.

And this evening, City Municipal Court Judge Joel Gerstenblatt will consider the first of those violations, issued about two weeks following the January blizzard that set the trend for what has been a historic winter. It’s unlikely police will issue additional violations.

Yesterday, Police Chief Col. Steven McCartney said his department is still getting calls about sidewalks, and in particular from one resident who has complained about Centerville Road. Three other residents have provided him with lists of neighbors who have failed to shovel so far, he said, and the department has received 231 calls about walks that haven’t been shoveled.

McCartney said he told the man complaining about Centerville Road, “It has reached the point where there is system overload; we’re not going to enforce right now.”

“I think the whole thing got out of control and is too difficult to deal with,” said the chief. He pointed out it’s also a matter of common sense, observing that he has seen people jogging and bicycling on snow-covered roads, jeopardizing the safety of themselves and others.

McCartney said he looks forward to bringing these and other issues to the attention of a committee established by the City Council this week.

The snow is finally melting, and gritty, sandy banks of ice and corn snow have replaced the once-white canyons defining city streets. It’s a messy prelude to spring. But while people are tired of winter, city officials don’t want to forget the shovel law, which they say needs improvement.

At the initiation of Ward 5 Councilman Ed Ladouceur, the council created a committee on Monday to review the ordinance and come up with legislation that addresses public safety concerns.

“I want to revisit the ordinance,” Ladouceur said Tuesday. “It’s very subjective.”

He feels the ordinance puts police in the awkward position of citing an offender while maybe only warning or taking no action against neighbors because of circumstances. When an outcry erupted over police actions in early February, Ward 4 Councilman Joseph Solomon called for a moratorium on fines.

“I don’t think people need the additional stress [of shoveling their sidewalks],” he said at the time. “It’s a bad time to put this pressure on people and it’s not practical.”

Ladouceur followed up with legislation for a moratorium that was on the docket for Monday’s meeting. The ordinance was held for action and, depending on what happens to those charged under the ordinance, he thinks the moratorium may be moot. The council moved ahead with the creation of the snow removal subcommittee.

Ladouceur, who chairs the committee, is looking to come up with a plan that best ensures the safety of children walking to school and other pedestrians without excessively burdening residents and businesses. He feels it is important that the measure include a hardship provision that takes into consideration elderly citizens who can’t shovel as well as residents who can’t afford to have the work done.

A suggestion he thinks has merit is for schools to increase the number of bus stops when there is a certain amount of accumulated snow. He also likes the suggestion of Mayor Scott Avedisian, who he met with recently to discuss the ordinance. The mayor thought there might be “more viable” walking routes to schools.

Acting chief of staff William DePasquale, who will serve on the panel, thought Tuesday something could be gained by looking at the ordinances of other communities. He noted Cranston is also looking at regulations, and there could be a “collaborative” effort to address the issue. He thought “priority routes” could be an approach.

“You’re talking children, schools, businesses, it’s going to be difficult to address,” he said.

DePasquale believes the review has to be multi-faceted, taking into account city equipment to assist in the effort and the level of traffic on different roads. He sees mapping and creating a plan as important.

Director of Public Works David Picozzi said at a recent roundtable discussion with public works directors from other communities, the conclusion was that “there’s no silver bullet.”

As for the city, the two machines used for clearing sidewalks are currently out of commission. Picozzi said one unit is about 40 years old and is not worth repairing.

“It’s a bucket of rust,” he said.

The other, which the city acquired in 1992 and is also used for brushing sand from sidewalks, needs a new engine. The council approved $11,000 for the repairs on Monday.

Ward 8 Councilman Joseph Gallucci will serve as vice chairman of the committee. Other members include McCartney, Deputy Fire Chief Bruce Cooley, Ward 3 Councilwoman Camille Vella-Wilkinson, Picozzi and attorney George Shuster, representing the public. The resolution also calls for a business representative.

In the first push to enforce the law in February, police visited 92 property owners and issued eight violations. A total of 10 violations for shoveling have been issued since the blizzard, Major Robert Nelson said yesterday.

Comments

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  • gwsjr75

    "He pointed out it’s also a matter of common sense, observing that he has seen people jogging and bicycling on snow-covered roads, jeopardizing the safety of themselves and others." That is terrific. The cars careening by are not jeopardizing anything, but the pedestrians are jeopardizing the safety of the drivers? The nerve people have trying to walk to work or school or for exercise or what have you. Recall the February 10 Beacon article also, "Picozzi said he was stopped at a light on Warwick Avenue when two joggers came out of Squantum Drive and continued running on Warwick Avenue. 'Maybe they ought to be issued tickets,' he said." You can't make that stuff up. It is lovely to consider that walking along the road can be an act of civil disobedience. Count me in.

    Thursday, March 12, 2015 Report this

  • richardcorrente

    The sidewalks are the property of the city. The snow that is plowed onto the sidewalks got there by the snowplows plowing the city streets.The snowplows are owned by the city. How can we now make the taxpayers/homeowners shovel the sidewalks and fine them if they don't. Maybe we shouldn't. Maybe it will offend taxpayers that are already paying too much for what they receive for their tax dollar. Maybe we should call the ACI. and ask for correctional industries at 401-462-2134 extension 5 and ask about work crews to assist at little or no cost to the Warwick taxpayer. Maybe.

    Wednesday, March 25, 2015 Report this

  • Waprovencal

    Mr. Corrente,

    I do not know the exact figures, but the cost to the taxpayer includes paying inmates, officers pay, and administrative fees. For every shoveling detail you would want, you need an officer, vehicle and equipment. Oh, and yes, inmates do get paid to work. It is now a moot point, due to the fact the snow has melted.

    Thursday, March 26, 2015 Report this