Full Board to Vote Snow Ordinance on Monday, March 21

What may be the final vote on the sidewalk snow ordinance is likely Monday, March 21, when the matter is scheduled to come before the full Board of Aldermen at their regular meeting.

Supporters are needed at 7:45 pm in the Aldermanic Chambers, second floor of City Hall.

On March 14, the Finance Committee voted 5-3 in favor of the two-year trial, with no fees. Voting in favor were lead proponent Vicki Danberg, John Freedman, Steve Linsky, John Rice and Ruthanne Fuller. Aldermen Gentile, Ciccone and Salvucci opposed the proposal.

Your presence at the Board 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.

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.

For more information please email [email href=”newtonsidewalks@gmail.com”]newtonsidewalks@gmail.com[/email].