By 4 p.m. Friday, Christopher Stokes had already shoveled the sidewalk in front of his Hyde Park Boulevard home three times.
“When it’s snowing like it is today, you need to do this every couple of hours or else you’re going to be buried,” he said while talking a short break for a cigarette. “I bet I’ll be out here shoveling all day to keep it clear.”
City officials wish there were more people like Stokes. Public Works Director David Kinney has issued a reminder to home and business owners to keep sidewalks in front of their property cleared for pedestrians.
“It’s their responsibility to shovel their sidewalks,” Kinney said. “That’s not anything new, it’s been on the books for a long time.”
According to the city’s ordinance, sidewalks must be shoveled by 9 a.m. each day for businesses and noon for homes. If not, a fine up to $250 can be issued. Kinney said the city isn’t yet at the point where violators will be cited but he stressed the importance for keeping the walkways clear.
“The last thing we want people to have to do is walk in the streets,” he said. “That’s a dangerous situation.”
Specifically, city officials are concerned about people walking on high traffic streets such as Pine Avenue and Main Street.
“If everyone would just keep their own area of the sidewalk clear, we would be in good shape,” Kinney said.
Kinney acknowledged that’s more difficult to do on days such as Friday when snow fell constantly. However, he said sidewalks should be cleared at the first opportunity. As for senior citizens and others unable to clear their property themselves, Kinney is hopeful that neighbors would assist them. He also pointed out the Niagara Falls Boys and Girls Club conducts a “Rent a Kid” program where youths ages 13 to 18 can be hired to perform various chores like snow shoveling. For more information, residents can call 282-7181.
As he started shoveling again Friday, Stokes briefly complained of having back pains and about his clothes being soaked. He then gave a short laugh and dug into a pile of snow.
“I guess people got their white Christmas,” he said.
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