Paused: sidewalk snow clearing

[Anonymous]

Sidewalks are NOT the issue.
My kids and I have been walking on the icy snow all of this week, walking our dog.

What's NOT fine for kids to clamber over are the piles of ice and slush (depending on whether they contain road salt) that block a lot of crosswalks. That's very challenging for the younger kids with backpacks and perhaps not the right shoes.

But those are there to stay. The county has no plans to remove them, as far as I know, so schools will open and kids and parents will have to do their best.

[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.

Giving businesses an extra five days before enforcement starts means an extra five days of unpassable sidewalks. Businesses that clear their car entrances and parking areas a few hours after it snows, but ignore sidewalks, (or use them to store snow) were never planning on clearing them in the first place.

Giving up is right.

[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.

It is dangerous to be working outside as well. It is not realistic to expect citizens of all ages to be out pick axing snow in a dangerous freeze. Local officials have decided people’s health and safety matters more than you walking to metro. See if someone can drop you off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

It is dangerous to be working outside as well. It is not realistic to expect citizens of all ages to be out pick axing snow in a dangerous freeze. Local officials have decided people’s health and safety matters more than you walking to metro. See if someone can drop you off.

People have had an entire week. A little bit each day should work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

It is dangerous to be working outside as well. It is not realistic to expect citizens of all ages to be out pick axing snow in a dangerous freeze. Local officials have decided people’s health and safety matters more than you walking to metro. See if someone can drop you off.

People have had an entire week. A little bit each day should work.

My parents in their mid 70s are not in shape to clear this ice. It is potentially life threatening for them. They hired contractors to clear it and it took 3 able bodied people 3 hours to clear their sidewalk, driveway and steps. It took my parents a while to find someone to do this (in the past contractors would go door to door offering to clear snow, not sure if it has to do with immigration enforcement or just the nature of this sleet/snow/ice combo but nobody came by this time). The ones they found took a while to show up. DH and I would have done it in a pinch but it was tough with work and lack of childcare. Thankfully, my parents are relatively wealthy and can afford these expenses. For many elderly people it is a lot harder and not everyone has family nearby.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

It is dangerous to be working outside as well. It is not realistic to expect citizens of all ages to be out pick axing snow in a dangerous freeze. Local officials have decided people’s health and safety matters more than you walking to metro. See if someone can drop you off.

People have had an entire week. A little bit each day should work.

My parents in their mid 70s are not in shape to clear this ice. It is potentially life threatening for them. They hired contractors to clear it and it took 3 able bodied people 3 hours to clear their sidewalk, driveway and steps. It took my parents a while to find someone to do this (in the past contractors would go door to door offering to clear snow, not sure if it has to do with immigration enforcement or just the nature of this sleet/snow/ice combo but nobody came by this time). The ones they found took a while to show up. DH and I would have done it in a pinch but it was tough with work and lack of childcare. Thankfully, my parents are relatively wealthy and can afford these expenses. For many elderly people it is a lot harder and not everyone has family nearby.

Exactly. And the reason it is hard to find shovelers is because every job takes 3-4x longer and so that constrains the labor supply. I don’t know why people just assume everyone is lazy and horrible except themselves. A large storm is an inconvenience, but it need not turn us against each other.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

It is dangerous to be working outside as well. It is not realistic to expect citizens of all ages to be out pick axing snow in a dangerous freeze. Local officials have decided people’s health and safety matters more than you walking to metro. See if someone can drop you off.

People have had an entire week. A little bit each day should work.

My parents in their mid 70s are not in shape to clear this ice. It is potentially life threatening for them. They hired contractors to clear it and it took 3 able bodied people 3 hours to clear their sidewalk, driveway and steps. It took my parents a while to find someone to do this (in the past contractors would go door to door offering to clear snow, not sure if it has to do with immigration enforcement or just the nature of this sleet/snow/ice combo but nobody came by this time). The ones they found took a while to show up. DH and I would have done it in a pinch but it was tough with work and lack of childcare. Thankfully, my parents are relatively wealthy and can afford these expenses. For many elderly people it is a lot harder and not everyone has family nearby.

Also hard for residents who live in low income housing many with kids attending MCPS and who walk to and from school. It's absurd that the county does not enforce that management of the apartments clear walkways and steps leading to the apartment buildings.These residents use public transportation and walk home on these blocks of freezing rain. They may not have health insurance. And so on.

[Anonymous]

BoI see called in the National Guard to help DC clear sidewalks. What has Moore done for MD?

[Anonymous]

Bowser

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:BoI see called in the National Guard to help DC clear sidewalks. What has Moore done for MD?

So after they tried to open the schools they had this brilliant idea??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BoI see called in the National Guard to help DC clear sidewalks. What has Moore done for MD?

So after they tried to open the schools they had this brilliant idea??

So now National Guard leaving their own families to first pick up trash in DC and now shovel snow and freezing rain? Orange's brilliant ideas.

-DP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BoI see called in the National Guard to help DC clear sidewalks. What has Moore done for MD?

So after they tried to open the schools they had this brilliant idea??

So now National Guard leaving their own families to first pick up trash in DC and now shovel snow and freezing rain? Orange's brilliant ideas.

-DP

DC National Guard all lives in DC

[Anonymous]

Water is dripping from our roof onto and down our front steps. Tonight it will refreeze.

This will be happening all week

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BoI see called in the National Guard to help DC clear sidewalks. What has Moore done for MD?

So after they tried to open the schools they had this brilliant idea??

So now National Guard leaving their own families to first pick up trash in DC and now shovel snow and freezing rain? Orange's brilliant ideas.

-DP

DC National Guard all lives in DC

DC National Guard or National Guard?

[Anonymous]

D.C. National Guard (formed in 1802) is a local force of over 2,400 soldiers and airmen. Reports only to the President via the Secretary of the Army, and acts as the local militia. Serves both local and federal missions.

During emergencies or high-profile events, National Guard troops from various states are often stationed in D.C. to supplement the local D.C. Guard.

Is this snowstorm clean-up the type of "emergency" the National Guard (members from various states) were called?