CHICOPEE, Mass. (WGGB) — As western Massachusetts continues to dig out from last week’s snowstorm, a concern exists over sidewalks that have not been cleared — forcing people to walk in busy streets.
Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette says people have been given some slack but now is the time to get their sidewalks shoveled if they haven’s done so.
This is one example of the safety hazards from last Friday’s snowstorm.
It is a sidewalk that hasn’t been shoveled.
“Because there’s a school around the corner. It’s elementary. There are kids who have to walk out in the road and Grattan Street as you can see is a very busy street, so it’s very dangerous for the kids walking to school,” says Chicopee resident Peggy Sullivan.
We’re also told that students use this sidewalk to walk to two schools, the Barry School and St. Joan of Arc School so any sidewalk that’s not shoveled is a safety concern.
This is just one example of a sidewalk that hasn’t been shoveled the fine for first offense is $50, and if you throw snow onto the road, you could be subject to a $100.
Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette says because of the severity of the storm, the city has cut its residents some slack.
“The storm was so heavy that we’ve been very lenient. The ordinance calls for sidewalks to be cleared within 24 hours of a storm. We understood just how tough it was to clear driveways and first things first we got the streets plowed and now we’re asking people to go back out and make sure their sidewalks have been done,” says Bissonnette.
And if you have a legitimate reason why you can’t shovel your sidewalk, then let the city know.
“It’s highly unusual to see this amount of snow so it gives some concern for people who are older or handicapped, or having problems in moving this snow so we want to hear from those who have difficulties, we may be able to help out,” Bissonette adds.
Mayor Bissonnette says Tuesday was a warning day, but starting Wednesday, those violators will be fined
How about the PVTA Bus stop signs. Its disgusting!
Like Like Like!!! People seem to forget the sidewalk in front of YOUR residence is YOUR responsibility!! Time to pick up a shovel and stop sitting around waiting for someone else to take care of it!!
About time.
Yes please make them clean them I hate having my kids walking in the street to go to and from school, ALL SIDEWALKS SHOULD BE CLEANED NOT JUST ENOUGH FOR YOU TO GET OUT OF YOUR YARD I FEEL BAD FOR PEOPLE IN WHEELCHAIRS AND KIDS THAT STILL HAVE TO GO TO SCHOOL HAVING TO WALK IN THE DANGEROUS STREETS BECAUSE OF LAZY PEOPLE
Lazy town!!!All of mine were done as soon as it was done snowing..We couldnt use are Streets for 2 and ahalf Days…Come people Think of the Kids and Not Yourselfs…
This morning walking my child to school was slushy ,no ice until ,one area of a sidewalk i almost slipped and fell ,the guy who owns the house had not put down any sand ,and he has a camera in his front window ,maybe he will put sand if he sen me almost fall
Can springfield do the pretty please!?!?!?
This•
And if you don’t have sand kitty litter works
Mail people usually won’t deliver mail if your sidewalk isn’t cleares..I have over 200′ of sidewalk and no snow blower…me and my son/wife take turns….Don’t see us whining just working.
I have no sidewalks on my property… but feel bad because there are no sidewalks at all on the streets around my house,,,
I like how people are saying “make them clean the sidewalks”, but no one is offering to help home owners clear the sidewalks. You do understand that 2 feet of snow on Friday, and that the sidewalks, located near to the road, has additional snow on top of that thanks to the snow ploys. Stop whining and help your neighborhood dig-out. I did for several hours on Saturday.
Come on people stop complaining so much about the sidewalks the stupid mayor should be fined with his plowing crew because the streets are **** and you can’t even see pulling out of a side road. There’s gonna be a major accident and if there is I hope they SUE the City of Chicopee for the ****ty plowing job. There is no reason why they can’t make them come out and widen the freaking roads. Also, they should put the parking bann back on till they finish widening the roads. You got the side roads off Braodway that all the cars are parked on the even side and were never towed thought it was an odd year. But, I also saw the Mayor sitting up the street on Sunday watching the DPW clear in front of City Hall. Must be NICE!
Rich towns have city workers clean them for you.