A winter storm has been hitting big chunks of the United States over the last few days. For me, in Boston, it’s just a small accumulation. That’s enough to cause a nuisance and snarl the morning commute.
For me, one test of compliance is snow shoveling. Did my neighbors shovel their sidewalks so people can pass safely?
I live in a neighborhood where there are lots of walkers. The elementary school is just down the street and most kids walk to school. Many people in the neighborhood walk to the nearby bus stops and train station for their commute into Boston. Property owners should clear their sidewalks. It’s the right thing to do.
Of course, being in the suburbs many people just drive everywhere. They think the strip of concrete between their house and the street is merely a place to put the barrels on trash-day. That potentially endangers pedestrians who may be forced into the street or may slip and fall on the uncleared sidewalk.
My town has contemplated enactment of shoveling ordinance, making it an offense if your sidewalk is not shoveled within 24 hours after the end of the storm. The ordinance would turn an ethics issue into a compliance issue.
What do you shovel first, your driveway or your sidewalk? What’s more important to you? To your neighbors?
After getting out and shoveling at 5:30 a.m. this morning, being that I don’t have a driveway anymore (my ex-wife got that and the house in the divorce settlement and now I live in the City of Chicago), I usually start from my porch, down the stairs, the front walk and then the sidewalks between my home and my neighbor’s home. I also shovel the neighbor’s porch since she doesn’t have a male in the house to do what I do. After putting down enough salt to ensure that the sidewalk is clean (and to avoid a tort lawsuit), Ifind that after it is all said and done, it is important that the school kids and the other walkers have a clean sidewalk to walk on.
Thanks Doug for the pleasnt reminder on a Monday morning.