Today's Poll: Should the city enforce its sidewalk snow removal law?

I agree with you irene! Batavia wants us to have a sense of community. I think shoveling the walk in front of your home is not too much to ask. I do agree with comments that i saw last night about those with a legitimate reason that they cannot shovel. I personally cannot because i have 12 inch rods in my lower back and i am under doctors orders until the bone fuses to the hardware. I believe that anyone in a situation where there is a proven physical incapability should not be subject to fines. I also believe that as neighbors if we are up before our next door neighbors and there is snow then perhaps we can offer a helping hand. If we know our neighbor is sick...on vacation...ill...the same applies. My next door neighbor is older and so is my mom. When he fell and injured his back, she shovelled for him. When the snow is deep or heavy, he brings over his snowblower. That is a sense of community.

On the other hand those who choose not to clean the sidewalk simply because they do not want to should be given a written notice and it should be filed somewhere. If it happens say twice in 30 or 60 days then maybe a fine is needed. The law is there and i am sure we all have neighbors near us who refuse to do their part out of defiance or laziness. The fines collected could add to city revenue if the judge would agree to enforce it. Just like parking and driving violations could bring in additional revenue. If there were a volunteer patrol position i would take it and photograph those who violate parking or sidewalk ordinances. Then when said violator's day comes in court the judge can see why they were issued a ticket. It may not be perfect but its better than just ignoring laws that affect all of us

or you could do as i do when there is snow on the sidewalk,walk on it.....lol yes step on top of that snow it won't hurt you....i did it the other day,went for a walk and i stepped right on top that white stuff and i made it home without walking in the street..nobody else think of this?.....

David-some are not physically capable of walking on uneven turf. Those with knee, back, hip issues come to mind. Many can. But everyone who lives here should be able to walk on a safe sidewalk. The biggest reason to shovel your sidewalk i think is this: if someone falls on one's area of unkempt sidewalk then that would make one responsible/liable for any injuries that someone receives while walking in said area. A sidewalk is meant to keep people safely off of a roadway and free to engage in physical activity.

Perhaps healthy unencumbered people with nothing but time on their hands that are on the public dole should do their fair share and shovel the walks of the elderly or genuinely disabled taxpayers....just a thought.