I walked to downtown Northampton Saturday morning and took a few photos. The day before, the region experienced its third bout of precipitation in as many weeks and South Street area sidewalks have grown progressively dangerous for pedestrians, including the dozens of children who utilize public school buses. As well, there are numerous people in the neighborhood who utilize mobility assistance devices and it’s likely there are vision impaired folks nearby also. Northampton officials passed an ordinance several years ago requiring sidewalks to be cleared thoroughly, and though the public sidewalk I maintain isn’t always pristine, I do try to ensure safe passage for those not utilizing motorized vehicles.
From the Northampton Code: 285-17. Snow and ice on sidewalks; removal by owner or occupant required; removal by City.
| A. |
No owner, tenant, occupant or person having the care of an estate which adjoins a highway upon which there is, on the same side, a hard surfaced walk (hereinafter referred to as a "sidewalk"), shall place any ice or snow upon such sidewalk, nor suffer any snow to remain upon such sidewalk for more than 24 hours after the storm during which it falls or is formed ceases, nor suffer any ice remain on such sidewalk unless such is made even and covered with sand to prevent slipping. Sidewalks which are subject to this section shall be cleared of any ice or snow to their full width. [Amended 7-15-1999] |
| B. |
No person shall place, deposit, or move ice or snow onto the paved surface of a street, or onto a gravel shoulder area if any. |
| C. |
Any person who violates Subsection A or B of this section shall have a complaint filed against him in the District Court of Northampton and, if found guilty, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $50. Each twenty-four-hour period a violation of Subsection A or B exists shall be considered to constitute a separate offense. |
| D. |
If in the opinion of the City Engineer, a violation of Subsection A or B constitutes a hazard to persons using such sidewalks or street, the City Engineer shall cause the snow or ice to be removed, and the violator shall be liable for the cost incurred by the City. Any action taken by the City under this subsection shall not absolve the individual responsible for the clearing of a sidewalk from the provisions of Subsection C.
Here’s are a couple of pictures, there are more in the gallery to the left.
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