The program would keep sidewalks clear of snow in areas with heavy foot traffic, but some aldermen say it would cost too much.
A plan to clear snow from some Chicago sidewalks is meeting with pushback about the program’s estimated costs of roughly $3.5 million per year, according to an NBC Chicago report. “A public bidding process would be undertaken to identify contractors to assist with the work, which would use ‘multi-purpose tractors’ and equipment specifically designed to ‘minimize noise disruptions and environmental risks,’ according to the proposal.”
The program would target four zones with heavy pedestrian traffic. “We owe it to our residents and the workers, and postal workers in particular, to make sure the path is clear for them and for students going to school,” said Alderperson Ronnie Mosley.
“The goal would be to clear sidewalks of snow in neighborhoods with the highest populations of seniors, as well as young parents, according to officials.” The program would fund clearing after seven events with two or more inches of snow accumulation.
FULL STORY: Sidewalk snow removal pilot sparks intense debate among Chicago lawmakers
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