When it comes to snow removal, City is a lawbreaker

As I maneuvered my car to avoid yet another cluster of pedestrians forced to trudge in the road because the sidewalks were clogged with snow and ice following the latest storm, I once again longed for the days when people actually gave a damn about their fellow citizens and got out the shovels.

It doesn't seem that many years ago that the sidewalks in front of homes and businesses actually could be used in the winter. Today, it's a rare part of Troy where that is the case. The residents and business owners too lazy, too cheap and too lacking in civic pride to do what they ought to do should be ashamed.

But, there is another culprit, and it's a big one.

One of the duties of municipal government is to work on the quality of life for its citizens and businesses. In Troy, that duty has been abrogated for years. Not only is that a failure, it is illegal.

Think I'm exaggerating? Read this excerpt from the Charter of the City of Troy:

"Sidewalks. It shall be the duty of the owners of land fronting on any of the public streets of the City to construct and keep in repair the sidewalks in front of their respective lots in such manner, at such times and of such materials as the Commissioner of Public Works may direct; and to keep all such sidewalks at all times free of ice, snow and other obstructions. If any owner, after notice shall neglect to comply with this section within the time specified by the Commissioner in the aforesaid notice, the Commissioner may cause the work to be done at the expense of the owner. The cost and expense of any such work, if unpaid, shall be added to the tax rolls... ."

I particularly call your attention to two phrases from that excerpt: (1) "to keep all such sidewalks at all times free of ice, snow and other obstructions," and (2) that the Commissioner of Public Works "may cause the work to be done at the expense of the owner. The cost and expense of any such work, if unpaid, shall be added to the tax rolls."

That makes it a simple matter. Clean your sidewalks, or pay someone to do it, or reimburse the City for cleaning up your mess -- probably at a higher rate than you would have paid by hiring someone on your own.

As always, the ball is in your court, Mayor Rosamilia. Do you plan to uphold the City Charter or do you and your administration plan to continue ignoring your duty and leaving our city in a mess?

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