For Immediate Release: 1/29/2015 3:36 pm
Worcester, MA (January 29, 2015) - The Worcester Police Department will begin enforcing the City's sidewalk ordinance starting Thursday afternoon, in an effort to get the City's streets ready to allow schools to re-open.
Worcester's sidewalk ordinance (C12 s23) requires owners or occupants of property with sidewalks bordering on any street to remove snow and ice from sidewalks 10 hours after snow stops falling.
The City has received numerous complaints from elderly and disabled residents about unshoveled sidewalks.
However, because of the amount of snow that fell, and because of the extended plowing operation that knocked snow back into some already-cleared sidewalks, the City has given residents nearly 40 hours to clear their sidewalks.
"I recognize how frustrating it is when you finish shoveling your sidewalk or driveway, only to have a plow come by and dump more snow where you just cleared," Augustus said. "We apologize to anyone who had to shovel more than once, and thank the entire City for their patience as we continue to dig out from this unprecedented storm."
"Public safety always comes first, and for the sake of our schoolchildren, seniors, disabled population and other residents who walk to get around, we need these sidewalks clear," Augustus said.
The details of the sidewalk ordinance can be found online.
The City maintains a list of organizations that have volunteered to help shovel for elderly and disabled residents. Residents can find the list online, or call DPW's Customer Service line at (508) 929-1300 to find help if they need it.
