The city of Chicago is in serious discussions about launching a pilot program aimed at using taxpayer money to clear snowy sidewalks, and there has been much debate about the wisdom of such a move.
The plan, backed by Mayor Brandon Johnson, will initially target snow removal in four areas across the city as part of a pilot program, but there are concerns about the cost amid expressed support for the measure.
The cost will be $3.5 million annually and will target areas in Belmont Cragin, Gage Park, Inglewood and Uptown, according to officials.
Implementing the entire program citywide would be much more expensive, Ald. Bill Conway expressed concerns about the city's ability to afford costs on such a large scale.
“I'm glad this is just a pilot program, but I'm very concerned that this is something our city can't afford at a financially precarious time,” he said.
I give birth. Ronnie Mosley disagrees, saying clearing sidewalks is critical for public safety and to protect students and workers.
“We don't often think about sidewalks as a means of transportation,” he said. “We owe it to residents and workers, and postal workers in particular, to make sure the path is clear for them and the students who go to school.” )
According to the Chicago Municipal Code, residents and business owners are responsible for removing snow and ice around their homes and retail locations. Snow must be removed as soon as possible after it falls, with snow falling between 7am and 7pm requiring clearing no later than 10pm on the day. Overnight snow must be removed by 10 a.m. the next day, according to city code.
Walkways at least five feet wide on sidewalks, including crosswalk ramps, must be cleared. Citations ranging from $50 to $500 can be issued to those who do not comply with the law.
The goal will be to remove snow from sidewalks in neighborhoods with the highest numbers of seniors, as well as young parents, according to officials.
Each area as part of the pilot project will include 1.5 square miles. In addition to the neighborhoods mentioned, parts of Brighton Park and Lincoln Square will also be included in the pilot program.
City crews and private contractors will be tasked with removing snow after two inches or more accumulate over a 24-hour period. A maximum of seven such events will be budgeted as part of the programme, according to officials.
A public bidding process will be conducted to identify contractors to assist with the work, who will use “multi-purpose tractors” and specially designed equipment to “minimize noise disturbances and environmental risks,” according to the proposal.
I give birth. Matt O'Shea says the extensive workforce requirements make the program unsuccessful.
“This is something that cannot be controlled,” he said. “We can't afford this. We can't find the manpower to implement this. It's a really bad idea.”
According to estimates by 13th Ward Ald. For Marty Quinn, who clears snow for 760 seniors in his ward, the program will require at least 750 pieces of equipment and 2,300 operators.
Community groups like My Block, My City have stepped up in recent years to help neighborhoods with snow removal, and have called for additional funding to expand these efforts.
It is unclear whether the City Council will approve the pilot program in the city, as negotiations continue.
