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Sidewalk Snow Removal FAQ

Why do we need an ordinance?

While many responsible citizens in Newton do remove the snow from their sidewalks, some do not. Children walking to school, wheelchair users, parents with strollers, commuters, senior citizens, residents walking their dogs or with service dogs, and anyone else who needs to use the sidewalk is forced to walk in the street. Walking on the street, especially after dark, is dangerous for the pedestrian and the driver.

Why can’t the city just plow all the sidewalks?

Newton has 531 miles of sidewalk, and although the city currently plows the highest-priority routes, to do the whole city would cost $1.8 million a year.

What will the penalties be for people who don’t remove the snow from their sidewalks?

Newton Ordinances fine business $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second, $300 for all subsequent offenses.  Contact the Police Department at 617 796-2100 to report uncleared business sidewalks.  Currently, there is no residential fine.

What about the elderly or people with medical conditions that make it difficult or impossible to remove the snow?

Newton has an exemption from the residential sidewalk snow ordinance for residents who have a ‘combination of health and financial duress’.  Contact the Senior Center (617) 796-1660 or download the application for an exemption here. 

What if I don’t have a paved sidewalk abutting my property?

The city does not expect residents to remove snow if there is no paved sidewalk. If there is a level walkway, residents are encouraged to clear for those pedestrians who need a safe haven from traffic.

Why can’t people just walk on the streets?

Drivers do not expect to see pedestrians in the street and are not looking for them. Pedestrians, especially those with strollers or using wheelchairs, take up a wider berth and are not safe walking in the road. It’s also difficult to see pedestrians in the dark, rain or snow.

What if a contractor dumps snow on the sidewalk?

It is illegal in Newton for a contractor or anyone else to plow or dump snow onto a sidewalk.   Newton Ordinances fine $100 for the first dumping offense, $200 for the second, $300 for all subsequent offenses.  Contact the Police Department at 617 796-2100 to report plowing or dumping of snow on sidewalks.

Why should I be required to clear my sidewalk when the city doesn’t clear all the sidewalks abutting its property?

The Federal Americans with Disabilities Act requires the City to maintain access to City ‘programs, services, and activities’, this includes removing snow and ice.   The City has committed to clearing sidewalks on all public property.  If they are missing a walk, call (617) 796-1000 or online at Newton 311.

What if I am away when it snows?

Property owners need to make arrangements to have snow removed if they won’t be doing it themselves.

What if I shovel the snow from my sidewalk and then someone slips and falls? Am I liable?

“If a property owner knows or reasonably should know of a dangerous condition on its property, whether arising from an accumulation of snow or ice, or rust on a railing, or a discarded banana peel, the property owner owes a duty to lawful visitors to make reasonable efforts to protect lawful visitors against the danger.”  Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Cout, Papadopoulos v. Target, 457 Mass. 368 (July 26, 2010)

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2021 LWVN Member Handbook

An electronic version LWVN Member Handbook is now available.  Expect an updated handbook for 2022-23 in the late Fall.

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Watch “The League Presents…”

The League Presents... is a monthly program on NewTV produced and directed by LWVN members about issues important to our community.

  • The League Presents: A conversation with Carol Moore, Newton’s City Clerk and Clerk of the City Council
  • The League Presents: Zoning Redesign, part 1
  • The League Presents: Newton’s Citizens Commission on Energy
  • The League Presents: What it means to be a League of Women Voters member
  • The League Presents: A Conversation with Three New School Committee Members

All past programs

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Facebook Posts

Ellen Auerbach Grody
Ellen Auerbach Grody

June 28th, 11:33 am

Thank you for the recent letter to the mayor:LWVN Board Concurs with Newton Citizens Commission on Energy’s Memo Rejecting Newton Cemetery’s Tree Removal RequestJune 24, 2022On June 24, 2022, LWVN sent an email to Mayor Fuller expressing our our agreement with the Newton Citizens Commission on Energy (NCCE)’s memo of June 20th stating “We are writing to you regarding the Newton Cemetery’ request for exemption from the Tree Preservation Ordinance. We urge you to stand with the Director of Urban Forestry in denying that request and any waiver of its consequences. We also urge you to ask the City Council to revise the ordinance language to clarify their intent that the Tree Preservation Ordinance not exclude any property owners from its provisions.” ... See MoreSee Less
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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

June 22nd, 6:26 pm

Breaking News: Governor Baker Signs VOTES Act Into Law - https://mailchi.mp/56363aee24bf/votes_act_update-8901645 ... See MoreSee Less

Breaking News: Governor Baker Signs VOTES Act Into Law

mailchi.mp

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

June 21st, 11:26 am

Newton Public Facilities Meeting: New Pipelines and Gas Valve Safety - https://mailchi.mp/ceafe522986a/newton-public-facilities-meeting-new-pipelines-and-gas-valve-safety ... See MoreSee Less

Newton Public Facilities Meeting: New Pipelines and Gas Valve Safety

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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

June 13th, 10:33 am

LWVN has launched an important new "Municipal Transparency and Accountability Initiative". Learn more here!: https://lwvnewton.org/2022/06/… ... See MoreSee Less

Municipal Transparency and Accountability Initiative: Mission Statement and Goals - League of Women Voters Newton

lwvnewton.org

Throughout its 102-year history, the League of Women Voters has been a vigorous advocate for transparent and accountable government. The League strongly believes that transparency and accountability i...
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League of Women Voters of Newton, MA
League of Women Voters of Newton, MA

June 9th, 10:12 am

Important Update: VOTES ACT Released from Conference Committee - https://mailchi.mp/6365b29fa297/votes_act_update ... See MoreSee Less

Important Update: VOTES ACT Released from Conference Committee

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Boston, MA — The Massachusetts VOTES Act Conference Committee today released its version of the comprehensive election reform bill, which will now head to the House and Senate for final procedural...
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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy.

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