Worcester to Crack Down on Sidewalk Snow Clean-Up

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Thursday, January 29, 2015

GoLocal Worcester News Team

On Thursday afternoon, the Worcester Police Department will be out enforcing the city's sidewalk ordinance to help get the city's streets ready to allow schools to re-open.

City Manager Ed Augustus said, “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. 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.”

The sidewalk ordinance 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. However, the city has given its residents nearly 40 hours to clear their sidewalks.

“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.

For a list of organizations that have volunteered to help shovel for elderly and disabled residents, click here, or call DPW’s Customer Service line at 508-929-1300 to find help if they need it.