Depew officials report heavy snow, 500 letters to property owners and low sign-up for 'Audrey's Snow Angels' volunteer program
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Summary
Village staff said the community experienced extensive snowfall, the building department mailed about 500 letters urging sidewalk clearing, and a volunteer program to help residents saw only two people volunteer so far.
Village officials told the board on Feb. 24 that an unusually snowy winter has left many sidewalks and intersections uncleared, the village mailed hundreds of reminder letters and a proposed volunteer assistance program has had minimal enrollment.
Don, representing the building department, said the village has seen an unusually high frequency of snowfall and dispatches have struggled to keep sidewalks clear. He reported that the office sent about 500 letters to residents and businesses asking them to remove snow and said some sidewalks compacted into thick ice.
Mayor Peterson and Trustee Craft described a volunteer program called Audrey’s Snow Angels designed to match neighbors who can help with those who cannot clear sidewalks. "We had all of 2 people that chimed in that they wanted to help," the mayor said, adding the board intends to try again next season.
Why it matters: Blocked or icy sidewalks reduce accessibility for older residents, people with limited mobility and parents with strollers, and increase slip-and-fall risks.
Other winter-related operations
Ken Pick of the Department of Public Works reported numerous water-main breaks across the area and asked residents with water issues to contact the Erie County Water Authority because the village does not handle water-main repairs. Pick also said the DPW will advocate this week for an increase in CHIPS funding, the state program that supports local road maintenance.
Nut graf: Officials encouraged neighbors to help one another and asked residents to clear sidewalks where able; the village will continue enforcement and outreach, and DPW will pursue additional road funding at the county and state level.
Ending: Officials asked residents who need help clearing sidewalks to notify the village and said the Snow Angels program will be revisited next winter.
