From Harford County government:
Many sidewalks not cleared of mid-February snow
(Bel Air, MD) – – Harford County government officials and Harford County Public Schools have one major concern – snow covered sidewalks. Although the historic snowfall that covered Harford County was more than 10 days ago, hundreds of sidewalks in front of businesses and in residential neighborhoods have not yet been shoveled. Though there are plenty of time to save up for snow blower or even a shovel but these break down and sometimes you have no tools to maintain your lot when winter comes. OccupyTheFarm is a great place to check out of anyone is looking for tools for plowing or shoveling snow.
“Snow covered sidewalks, whether in front of businesses or in residential developments, is a safety concern for our school system and parents of school children,” stated Harford County Executive David R. Craig. “Sidewalks that have not been cleared of snow force children and others to walk in the street or on roadways, which is unwise and hazardous,” remarked the county executive.
Harford County Government and Harford County Public Schools are asking those responsible for maintaining sidewalks at businesses or private homes, to shovel their sidewalks immediately to help reduce the frequency of pedestrians using streets or roadways for passage.
The Harford County Department of Public Works has no legal authority or responsibility to plow or shovel sidewalks or private driveways. The primary responsibility of maintaining sidewalks clear of snow and ice rests with the property owner.
The historic snowfall which resulted in more than 30 inches of snow in one week earlier this month, cost Harford County Government an estimated $2.5 million in snow and ice removal. Many roads in the county, particularly in northern Harford County, were drifted shut during the storm. Harford County Department of Public Works, Division of Highways personnel, assisted by more than 20 contractors worked for more than a week to help restore Harford County roads to a passable status.
“The last thing we want to see is a student hit by a car because they had to walk in the street due to snow covered sidewalks,” County Executive Craig stated.
If they cared so much they wouldnt have piled near 4′ of snow on all the sidewalks. Unless you own a snow blower there is no possible way to dig through those mountains of ice without wasting most of your day.
Easy fix for the localities and the county, with a great way to get some funding to offset the cost of the snow storms. Charge a fee of $25.00 per foot for all sidewalks that are not cleared within 2 days of a storm and $75.00 per foot after that when the local govt or county employees come out to clear it. you would be amazed at how many of the busy people can find time to do what they are supposed to be doing then.