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Somerville committee weighs adding curb cuts to sidewalk snow-removal rule; sends legal and operational questions back to staff
Summary
The Legislative Matters Committee discussed an amendment to require property owners to clear snow from abutting curb cuts at crosswalks but held the item for further work with the law department and public works on scope and enforceability.
The Somerville Legislative Matters Committee discussed, but did not adopt, a proposed amendment to Section 12-8(a) of the Code of Ordinances that would require property owners to clear "abutting curb cuts" (where sidewalks meet crosswalk curb drops) when removing snow.
Why it matters: Committee members said the change is intended to reduce snow- and ice-related accessibility barriers at curb ramps and crosswalks, but members and city staff raised capacity and implementation concerns that prompted the committee to keep the item in committee for further drafting.
What happened at the meeting Chair Lance Davis introduced the item and expressed reservations about making property owners responsible for large plow piles and other burdens that…
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