Paused: sidewalk snow clearing

[Anonymous]

How will schools open if the sidewalks to schools aren't cleared?

"UPDATE: Sidewalk snow-clearing enforcement paused until Mon, Feb 2.
Due to sustained freezing temps, snow-packed sidewalks have become icy and unreasonably difficult to clear. In some cases, plowing also contributed to accumulation. Because of what we’re seeing and hearing from residents, Montgomery County has paused enforcement of sidewalk clearing requirements and won’t issue notices of violation until Monday, February 2. Although enforcement is paused, property owners should help their neighbors by clearing sidewalks as soon as it is safe and possible to do so, prioritizing entrances, exits, and accessible routes. Take interim safety measures like applying traction aids where necessary.
Our shared goal is the health and safety of all residents. Please check on older adults and others who may need help.
Montgomery County, MD - Department of Housing and Community Affairs
Montgomery County en Español"

[Anonymous]

Because Karens are calling on their neighbors and the neighbors physically cant move the frozen tundra and moco does not have the resources for enforcement when the karens keep calling.
So the solution is, suspend it for now.

[Anonymous]

According to google they have to issue a written warning first, then fine $50 after 24 hours, i have been using my sidewalk for sledding. Lots of kids are using my sidewalk for sledding. Only 50 bucks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How will schools open if the sidewalks to schools aren't cleared?

"UPDATE: Sidewalk snow-clearing enforcement paused until Mon, Feb 2.
Due to sustained freezing temps, snow-packed sidewalks have become icy and unreasonably difficult to clear. In some cases, plowing also contributed to accumulation. Because of what we’re seeing and hearing from residents, Montgomery County has paused enforcement of sidewalk clearing requirements and won’t issue notices of violation until Monday, February 2. Although enforcement is paused, property owners should help their neighbors by clearing sidewalks as soon as it is safe and possible to do so, prioritizing entrances, exits, and accessible routes. Take interim safety measures like applying traction aids where necessary.
Our shared goal is the health and safety of all residents. Please check on older adults and others who may need help.
Montgomery County, MD - Department of Housing and Community Affairs
Montgomery County en Español"

I now believe that school will be closed the whole week. Kids can’t walk to school.

[Anonymous]

Correct. MCPS cannot open even Monday this way…

[Anonymous]

It’s not like the enforcement does any good anyway.

[Anonymous]

The title says clearing is paused, this is inaccurate. Snow-clearing enforcement is paused.

[Anonymous]

I wonder when or if they plan on clearing the bike paths in the county. The kids in Montgomery Village use these to get to school more than regular sidewalks. Im sure other parts of the county are similar

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The title says clearing is paused, this is inaccurate. Snow-clearing enforcement is paused.

True, but you know most people are going to read it as they don't have to clear the stuff until Monday. I wish they had just kept the pause in enforcement internal. Good luck getting people to work on their sidewalks now.

[Anonymous]

Our neighborhood paid a company to come out and clear our bus stops but since plows have pushed the snow to many ends of street where our busses stop they could only clear 2 of the 3. One is impossible and I watch as these dudes used axes and spades trying to break up the ice.

This is not a normal snow and people need to relax and give grace.

[Anonymous]

We live on a corner and our sidewalk is on the way to a school so many kids pass by on their walk to school. Yesterday I spent 1 hour on the sidewalk and managed to clear about 10 feet of length until my back could take it no more.

I can't see any way I'll be able to get all the sidewalks in the front/side of our house cleared even by that deadline. My back and leg muscles still hurt from yesterday's attempt... and I'm in pretty good shape.

Why doesn't the county take responsibility for clearing the sidewalks, given the already take the responsibility for maintaining them otherwise (paving them and fixing cracks)?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wonder when or if they plan on clearing the bike paths in the county. The kids in Montgomery Village use these to get to school more than regular sidewalks. Im sure other parts of the county are similar

Biking is dangerous and not recommended. No path or sidewalk is guaranteed completely clear with zero ice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We live on a corner and our sidewalk is on the way to a school so many kids pass by on their walk to school. Yesterday I spent 1 hour on the sidewalk and managed to clear about 10 feet of length until my back could take it no more.

I can't see any way I'll be able to get all the sidewalks in the front/side of our house cleared even by that deadline. My back and leg muscles still hurt from yesterday's attempt... and I'm in pretty good shape.

Why doesn't the county take responsibility for clearing the sidewalks, given the already take the responsibility for maintaining them otherwise (paving them and fixing cracks)?

The cost of this would be huge. There is a difference between paving and fixing cracks for each sidewalk every however many years and clearing snow from all the sidewalks within 24 hours (24 hours is the rule though the time was extended for this storm).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How will schools open if the sidewalks to schools aren't cleared?

"UPDATE: Sidewalk snow-clearing enforcement paused until Mon, Feb 2.
Due to sustained freezing temps, snow-packed sidewalks have become icy and unreasonably difficult to clear. In some cases, plowing also contributed to accumulation. Because of what we’re seeing and hearing from residents, Montgomery County has paused enforcement of sidewalk clearing requirements and won’t issue notices of violation until Monday, February 2. Although enforcement is paused, property owners should help their neighbors by clearing sidewalks as soon as it is safe and possible to do so, prioritizing entrances, exits, and accessible routes. Take interim safety measures like applying traction aids where necessary.
Our shared goal is the health and safety of all residents. Please check on older adults and others who may need help.
Montgomery County, MD - Department of Housing and Community Affairs
Montgomery County en Español"

My walk to the metro his loving was treacherous. It’s stupid to just let dangerous conditions exist for another week? (Next Thursday is the first over freezing temperature I am seeing on my weather app.). This isn’t a plan - it’s a decision to give up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We live on a corner and our sidewalk is on the way to a school so many kids pass by on their walk to school. Yesterday I spent 1 hour on the sidewalk and managed to clear about 10 feet of length until my back could take it no more.

I can't see any way I'll be able to get all the sidewalks in the front/side of our house cleared even by that deadline. My back and leg muscles still hurt from yesterday's attempt... and I'm in pretty good shape.

Why doesn't the county take responsibility for clearing the sidewalks, given the already take the responsibility for maintaining them otherwise (paving them and fixing cracks)?

The cost of this would be huge. There is a difference between paving and fixing cracks for each sidewalk every however many years and clearing snow from all the sidewalks within 24 hours (24 hours is the rule though the time was extended for this storm).

Yes, but fining homeowners because the County added this responsibility and made it difficult to meet does not seem fair.

It's not like a requirement you keep your grass mowed. You have weeks to get that done, and when you need it done, it's easy to accomplish or hire someone to do so.

With snow clearing, you're given 24 hours, and it's at a time when the roads may be difficult to pass, so expecting someone you hire to be able to make it over and do it would be difficult also... and everyone else would want that person's time to do such work at the same time.