Snow Mountain Curbcuts in Newton: Walking the Dogs

Residential Sidewalk Snow Shoveling Ordinance Passed!

Newton passed a residential sidewalk snow clearing ordinance! It is a two year trial. Home-owners/residents are requested to clear their abutting public sidewalks and curbcuts free of snow during the winter. Businesses are allowed 24 hours after the snow ends, residents are allowed 30 hours to clear. Lets all continue to work with Newton departments to stop the practice of dumping snow mountains on the curbcuts and crosswalks. Everyone, lets work together so Newton has safe and accessible sidewalks all year long.

New Construction is Unacceptable!

It has rained for over 24 hours. Above photos were taken on February 24th. They show the snow mountains from city plows still blocking the public sidewalk on Wachusett Rd and Hammond Street at intersection of Commonwealth Avenue.This snow has been sitting here since the December storm. The most disturbing elements in these photos are construction flaws of these sidewalks paid for by our public funds from Mass Highway Dept and overseen by the City of Newton Traffic and Engineering Department. Notice the sidewalks end into utility poles and stop midblock on people's lawn. A wheelchair user is unable to use any of these sidewalks, and would have no other choice but to be wheeling along with the trucks and cars in the street. Newton, this is unacceptable!

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Walking the Dogs

The torrential rains and winds of the last three days left Newton free of many of the snow mountains claiming the curbcuts.
This morning I woke to a most delicate scene, of snow falling to grace the clean landscape. Yesterday morning was a treat, as I visited with a few neighbors in Newton Corner walking their dogs. The white small dog was so friendly he joined for a paw in the air greeting. His grey furred buddy sat with a bit more reserve in the background (photo above). It seems I am missing out not having a dog to walk as they bring a sense of community. The new sidewalk where we met was cleared, but neighbors homes on Park Avenue, Brackett Rd, and Cabot still had remnants of snow neglect. Above photos of our beloved John Kelley bronze statue.
Seems everyone can shovel their sidewalks.