Paused: sidewalk snow clearing

[Anonymous]

Anyone live off of of Garret Park Road or Strathmore?

How are the roads and side walks?

Have to pick up my niece in that area and my SIL is a flake.

Thanks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

How do you recommend they solve it? Even professionals with trucks are having difficulty clearing it. If they can't do it, how do you expect Harry Homeowner to pull it off?

[Anonymous]

https://imgur.com/a/9rjjtKd

The first photos are of the stretch of sidewalk outside of my school that I personally shoveled on Tuesday night. Did about 100 yards down to the pavement. The next photo is what the reat of the sidewalk that 300 kids use that leads to Middlebrook road looks like right now

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://imgur.com/a/9rjjtKd

The first photos are of the stretch of sidewalk outside of my school that I personally shoveled on Tuesday night. Did about 100 yards down to the pavement. The next photo is what the reat of the sidewalk that 300 kids use that leads to Middlebrook road looks like right now

Impressive! How long did that take?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

This was not a normal snow event and so they extended the time. Contractors have been able to get around easily for a couple of days now. The main roads are fine. The problem is the time it takes to clear it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://imgur.com/a/9rjjtKd

The first photos are of the stretch of sidewalk outside of my school that I personally shoveled on Tuesday night. Did about 100 yards down to the pavement. The next photo is what the reat of the sidewalk that 300 kids use that leads to Middlebrook road looks like right now

Impressive! How long did that take?

About 2 hours. Its a little more concrete like now so i am working a bit slower but i will get something done. Beats sitting at home after i finished all my reports and grading

[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)?

Bless you for doing your best. You’re a good neighbor.

[Anonymous]

Taking a lunch break. Only made it about 40 feet on the sidewalk so far but i will finish this today

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Wow you were a genius to think that

[Anonymous]

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

The county COULD coordinate to help low income apartments clear the walkways. In the name of "equity"

[Anonymous]

How many threads do we need on this subject??

Ice is ice. Nothing going to change that fact.

Freezing temps today again ice is ice.

Grow up people and shut up

[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

And those who ride on streets can't right now with those TALL snow freezing rain banks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Why pause enforcement? Ticket. County should be helping those who can't shovel or don't have resources.

[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)?

That is a FABULOUS question

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

They don't have the resources. Embarrassing to say that living next to DC.