Resident urges stricter sidewalk snow enforcement; Art Center director seeks council support

At the Jan. 14 regular session of the Rome Common Council, public comment included two substantive presentations that focused on neighborhood walkability and community arts programming.

Shelley Gardner of 118 River Street urged the council to use its statutory enforcement authority to cite businesses and property owners who leave sidewalks unshoveled, saying the practice forces pedestrians into the roadway. "We're better than this," Gardner said, listing Bridal Boulevard, Black River Boulevard and other downtown stretches where sidewalks are impassable. She asked the council to move beyond expressions of sympathy and begin citing repeat noncompliance so sidewalks remain passable for residents.

Later in the public comment period, Jason Taki, executive director of the Rome Art and Community Center at 308 West Bloomfield Street, gave an overview of the center's activities and programs. Taki told the council the center recently hosted a regional exhibit, free low‑cost music events, a celebration of life and is planning a summer camp that serves about 80 children for eight weeks with subsidized fees (he said the program charges $60 per week and the full eight weeks costs under $500 per child). He credited past Community Development Block Grant support and invited councilors to tour the facility and discuss additional collaboration.

Councilor Riley later praised the Art and Community Center after touring the facility and urged colleagues to help promote its use for concerts, meetings and community programming.

The comments raised two practical follow-ups: whether the city will increase enforcement of sidewalk clearing rules and whether the council will continue or expand support for the Art and Community Center's programming and annual payment.

The public session was then closed and council business continued.