What A Load

PLATTSBURGH CITY, NY -- March 18, 2017

Yesterday it appeared that a front end loader was clearing the snow blocked sidewalk in front of 173 Margaret Street.

The front end loader did an excellent job of clearing the driveway to the around the building.  The building used to house bank offices but is now empty.

Once again a driveway takes complete priority over the sidewalk.  Most of the sidewalk is still blocked by deep snow.  And the loader made it worse by piling up snow across the sidewalk.  But at least the driveway is open for non-existent employees and customers.

Property owners have 24 hours to clear sidewalks bordering their lots after a storm has been declared over by the Plattsburgh City Department of Public Works.  The image above was taken today around 1:45 PM, more than 48 hours after the declaration.  Will this property owner be fined?  Warm weather today is melting some of the snow but not enough to properly clear the sidewalk.

It's unfair that other property owners with only shovels and small snowblowers make the effort to clear their adjacent sidewalks while someone who can afford to hire a front end loader can't pay extra to clear his own sidewalk.