City officials are urging New Yorkers to be patient as they continue to clear snow from pedestrian pathways, but many residents, particularly seniors and those with disabilities, are finding it increasingly difficult to navigate the treacherous streets.
The winter storm that hit the city last weekend left over a foot of snow in some areas, and with freezing temperatures forecast for the rest of the week, much of it is likely to remain stuck on sidewalks. While private property owners are responsible for shoveling their own sidewalks, many crosswalks throughout the city remain blocked by mounds of snow, forcing pedestrians onto the street or creating narrow walkways carved out by foot traffic.
This can be a major obstacle for those with mobility issues, who may struggle to overcome even small amounts of snow. "For many people who have the ability to walk through that, that can be an inconvenience, but they can overcome it," said Jeff Peters, spokesperson for the Center for Independence of the Disabled. "But for others who may use crutches or a manual wheelchair or any other mobility device, that can be a situation that is not only an inconvenience but impassable."
The city has issued over 400 violations to private property owners who fail to clear their sidewalks, and officials are warning that more tickets will be handed out throughout the week. However, many residents say they are doing the best they can with the resources available to them.
"I can get from my house to the grocery store without a problem, but I was going to go to the park and you have to kind of avoid the parts of the sidewalk that are not privately business-owned," said Williamsburg resident Claire Vitto. "I haven't been unable to get around, but I was thinking, like it's nice, I'm very able-bodied... I can climb over the snow."
The lack of access to clear sidewalks is having a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, including seniors and those with disabilities. Many residents are taking to social media to express their frustration, with one user writing "Today, kids and parents faced a treacherous, thick path of snow and some fell."
City officials acknowledge that the situation is particularly challenging for those with mobility issues, and they are urging everyone to be patient as workers continue to clear sidewalks throughout the week. However, many residents say that patience is wearing thin, and they need more than just a little bit of patience - they need accessible streets that are safe and navigable for everyone.
The winter storm that hit the city last weekend left over a foot of snow in some areas, and with freezing temperatures forecast for the rest of the week, much of it is likely to remain stuck on sidewalks. While private property owners are responsible for shoveling their own sidewalks, many crosswalks throughout the city remain blocked by mounds of snow, forcing pedestrians onto the street or creating narrow walkways carved out by foot traffic.
This can be a major obstacle for those with mobility issues, who may struggle to overcome even small amounts of snow. "For many people who have the ability to walk through that, that can be an inconvenience, but they can overcome it," said Jeff Peters, spokesperson for the Center for Independence of the Disabled. "But for others who may use crutches or a manual wheelchair or any other mobility device, that can be a situation that is not only an inconvenience but impassable."
The city has issued over 400 violations to private property owners who fail to clear their sidewalks, and officials are warning that more tickets will be handed out throughout the week. However, many residents say they are doing the best they can with the resources available to them.
"I can get from my house to the grocery store without a problem, but I was going to go to the park and you have to kind of avoid the parts of the sidewalk that are not privately business-owned," said Williamsburg resident Claire Vitto. "I haven't been unable to get around, but I was thinking, like it's nice, I'm very able-bodied... I can climb over the snow."
The lack of access to clear sidewalks is having a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, including seniors and those with disabilities. Many residents are taking to social media to express their frustration, with one user writing "Today, kids and parents faced a treacherous, thick path of snow and some fell."
City officials acknowledge that the situation is particularly challenging for those with mobility issues, and they are urging everyone to be patient as workers continue to clear sidewalks throughout the week. However, many residents say that patience is wearing thin, and they need more than just a little bit of patience - they need accessible streets that are safe and navigable for everyone.
. The city's response to the snowstorm is all over the place. On one hand, they're fining property owners who don't clear their sidewalks, but on the other hand, most of those crosswalks are still blocked off. It's like they expect people with disabilities to just magically navigate around the snow or something 
. And what really grinds my gears is that all this emphasis on "patience" from city officials ignores the fact that some people can't even walk through small amounts of snow without risking serious injury 
. I mean, come on, city officials, get your act together and make sure these sidewalks are clear for everyone, not just those who are able-bodied 
.
i mean, i had to wait like 45 minutes just to get my favorite pizza and it's only a few blocks away from me... shouldn't that be like 10-15 minutes tops? anyway, back to the snow thing... i feel so bad for those with disabilities who have to navigate all that snowy mess 
Snow's got seniors & wheelchair users stuck in a bind 
City should step up their winter prep game 
Those 400+ fines ain't gonna cut it, just clear the sidewalks already! 
i think city officials r doing their best but more resources would be needed 2 help clear sidewalks ASAP 
. I'm all about nostalgia, you know, the good old days when we didn't have to worry about this stuff? Remember when we could just walk down the street without having to navigate through a snowy obstacle course? Good times 
. But seriously, what's going on here? The city needs to step up and make sure everyone has access to clear sidewalks. We can't keep expecting people with disabilities to just "deal" with it 
I'm telling you, this whole snow-clearing situation in NYC has some major red flags 
. First off, have you noticed how many private property owners are getting away with not clearing their sidewalks? Like, come on, it's a basic human right to walk safely and access your own neighborhood without having to navigate through treacherous snowdrifts 
.
. We need accessible streets that are safe and navigable for everyone, not just people who can magically overcome a little bit of snow 
. The city's all like "be patient" and "work together", but I'm calling foul here 
. There needs to be some serious accountability and action taken to address this issue 
. I mean, I've got my own mobility issues sometimes and it's frustrating enough navigating the sidewalks as it is, but add a foot of snow on top... no thanks! The city should really step up their game here and make sure everyone has access to safe walkways, even if it means hiring more workers or providing extra resources. It's not just about being patient, it's about having equal access to basic things like grocery shopping and going to the park with your family 
.
I've seen some of these sidewalks, and yeah, it's like, come on, just a little bit of effort to clear them out already! But then again, I also feel for private property owners who are struggling with this whole thing... they're not exactly getting paid to shovel snow all day 
. And what about all the other people who are doing their part, but still can't get around because of these massive piles of snow? Like, I'm no expert, but shouldn't we be doing better than this in a city like New York? 
You know what? I think city officials are kinda doing the best they can with the resources available to them. They're trying to balance the needs of everyone, but we gotta give 'em some slack too 
. We need more than just patience - we need accessible streets that are safe and navigable for everyone 
. They gotta do more to help the elderly and people with disabilities navigate these treacherous streets. It's not like they're asking for a miracle, just a clear sidewalk so they can get around without risking their lives 
. Can't we get some real solutions instead of just lip service? 
. The city needs to step up their game and provide clear sidewalks for everyone. I'm not asking for much, just the ability to get around without having to navigate treacherous paths or use makeshift routes 
what's up with these property owners? like, come on guys you're gonna get fined but you can't even shovel your own sidewalk?? 
i got a neighbor who is wheelchair bound and he cant even make it to his mailbox without breaking a sweat lol, lets be real. city needs to step up their game here, 400 violations isnt enough, we need actual solutions not just empty threats. how about they make it mandatory for all properties with entrances to clear sidewalks or something? would really help out the elderly and disabled community 
we need safe & accessible streets for EVERYONE 
