Snow is falling in Shorewood once again, and that's good. But with that Winter Wonderland also comes snow and ice on sidewalks, and if property owners don't take their responsibilities seriously, that snow and ice can become highly problematic for predestrains. Older pedestrians and others who are prone to falling are put particularly at risk by slick sidewalks.
Shorewood's Village Code is clear about who is responsible for clearing snow and ice, and the penalities for a failure to do so. Village Ordinance 466-27 requires Shorewood private property owners, commercial property owners and property occupants to clear the sidewalks of snow and ice abutting their property within 12 hours after the snow or ice has stopped falling. This requires clearing the full width of the sidewalk, down to the pavement. This also includes the corner ramps to the crosswalks for property owners with corner lots, or those whose property abuts a mid-block crosswalk.
That ordinance exists because there are thousands of people
who live, walk or use transit in Shorewood who don’t own cars. Walking can be their primary way of getting
around, and snow or ice covered sidewalks can pose a risk to them, especially if
they are older.
What happens if you as a property owner or occupant fails to remove snow and ice? First, your neighbors might think less of you. Second, you could be held liable in a civil suit, if someone slips and is injured on your sidewalk (which could also cause your insurance premiums to rise). Third, the Village could issue a citation to you (and the penalty for a violation can range from $10 per day, to much, much higher). (See Village Ordinance 115-1.) Fourth, the DPW may come and clear your sidewalks, and pass that cost (which is not cheap) along to you on your property tax bill.
And it's not just the public sidewalks that folks should be paying attention to. Slippery private sidewalks or staircases to front doors can also pose a risk to postal carriers, or other delivery or service personnel.
If you notice sidewalks that are not properly being cleared of snow and ice, and you want action taken by the Village, you can call the Police Department at 414.847.2610. The Police Department will send someone out to inspect, and if noncompliance is determined, the property owner will be notified, and a citation may be issued.
Of course, sometimes shoveling is not enough to clear snow and ice. In those situations, a property owner may need to resort to salt (or other products), to either melt snow or ice, or to make existing snow and ice less slippery. Shorewood's "How to Be a Good Neighbor" video series, has helpful suggestions regarding how much salt to use, or other ways to reduce sidewalk winter slickness. The Shorewood Senior Resource Center can also be a resource, for older residents who are looking for assistance in finding someone who can be hired (or who even might volunteer), to help an older resident clear thier walkways.
Be a good neighbor. Clear your walks, help protect your neighbors, and ensure that folks of all
ages and abilities can stay active year round.
