This Monday, March 14, the Finance Committee will take up the issue of residential sidewalk snow clearance. This two-year trial, with no fees, is still facing opposition. Your presence at the meeting, even if just for the first half hour (stickers for League members provided), is critical to show the Aldermen that their YES vote is supported by their constituents.
The meeting STARTS at 7:00 pm, not 7:45 as is usual. It will be on the second floor of City Hall, room 222.
See You There!
Your cards and letters supporting the ordinance are critical and still needed.
Letters can be sent to the Board of Aldermen via email, to [email href=”dolson@newtonma.gov”]dolson@newtonma.gov[/email]. A copy to the TAB would also be extremely helpful.
Aldermen have voiced concerns about the “burden” and “cost” this ordinance shifts to the residents. They need to hear from supporters that this burden is currently borne by the city’s pedestrians: those who cannot afford a car, are too young/old to drive one, are visually impaired or navigate with a heavy wheelchair. Their costs are being shut-in, putting themselves in harm’s way, or having to hire taxis to navigate a city with sidewalks blocked by snow.
Another concern is the city’s plows putting snow on corners & making snow clearance from sidewalks difficult. You can help the city to do its job better, by calling 3-1-1 from your landline, 617-796-1000 from your cell, or using the 311 system online.
For more information please email [email href=”newtonsidewalks@gmail.com”]newtonsidewalks@gmail.com[/email].