All at the same time?  That’s what happened to me Thursday evening when someone from the City came and plowed the section of sidewalk we must traverse three times a day to get the children on and off the bus.

You would think I would be thrilled.  The way is clear and we don’t have to walk small children down the street.  But this is one section of sidewalk after one storm impacting one bus stop.  The real issue is fixing the system so it doesn’t come to this!  The only reason why our section was cleared is this article.   My hope is the article spurs the discussion necessary around our city to force City Hall to either enforce the current statute or make changes.

I wish as people we could be proactive and responsible and clear our snow.  This isn’t just important for the kids who need to go to the bus.  The postal and other delivery people who travel our city every day need safe passage as well as the everyday ordinary citizens of Haverhill.  What about emergency personnel if the unexpected happens and they must get to our doors?

The counter argument to enforcement is “But what about Grandma and Grandpa who can’t clear the snow and can’t afford to hire someone to clear the snow and have no family to help them clear the snow?”   This is the issue that keeps the city from doing anything at all about the snow.  We have a Council on Aging and we have Elder Services.  We provide assistance for a number of day to day needs for our elderly and disabled – why can’t we provide snow assistance?  Then the city would be able to force those who are able but aren’t willing to clear their snow.  Not just for me because I’m vocal; but for everyone who walks our sidewalks for whatever reason at whatever time of day.