Snow Mountain Curbcuts in Newton: December 2010

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!

Monday, December 27, 2010

Blizzard 2010 in Newton

Newton had a blizzard last night. Looks like we have over a foot of snow gracing our landscapes. The sidewalk snow plows and street plows were busy this morning clearing the streets and some city sidewalks. It was nice to see residents outside with their children, sleds, enjoying the snow. It is perfect snow for snow sculptors.

The City of Newton Snow Committee will be meeting on January 19th for a vote on the proposal for the sidewalk snow clearing ordinance. Thanks to the League of Woman Voters, Alderman Vicki Danberg and other committees such as Citizens for Access, Safe Routes to School, Aldermen Greer Tan Swiston, and many others, a comprehensive packet was brought to the public for review. Would love your feedback.

Americans with Disabilities Act and Sidewalks

This video speaks to questions about how the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act requires for all public entities (cities and towns) to take care of their sidewalks, free from obstructions.

Also mentions about the "Barton vs Sacramento" lawsuit. Obligation for city and towns to not only install curbcuts (curbramps) but also to remove barriers on sidewalks, including removing street furniture, low hanging barriers, sidewalks raised and buckled, etc. Agreed on an annual funding formula to address barriers. Used part of cities annual transportation funding to fix sidewalks.