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Disability commission finalizes snow‑removal PSA reminding property owners of ordinance and reporting options
Summary
The Northampton Disability Commission agreed on final wording for a snow‑removal public service announcement that tells property owners to clear adjacent sidewalks and curb cuts, notes a 36‑inch clearance requirement and a $50‑a‑day fine, and asks residents to report uncleared sidewalks via the city's website; the commission will record lines and coordinate with Northampton Open Media.
The Northampton Disability Commission on the recorded meeting finalized a public service announcement urging property owners to clear adjacent sidewalks and curb cuts after snow events to protect people who use mobility devices, people with low vision and older residents.
Commission member Asher Hendricks read an early draft of the PSA: “Northampton has an ordinance requiring property owners to clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours of the last snowfall or by 9 a.m. the following day in the business districts, whichever is sooner.” The commission agreed to include a 36‑inch clearance reminder and the instruction to “please report any uncleared sidewalks via the city's website.”
Why it matters: Unshoveled sidewalks can force people with wheelchairs or other mobility aids into the street or keep them confined at home. Commissioners said the PSA is intended to reduce those hazards by reminding property owners of their responsibilities and directing residents to the city’s reporting tool.
Members debated tone and factual precision. They agreed to use wording that addresses listeners directly (“We are your Disability Commission”), to state explicitly that property owners (not listeners generally) can be fined $50 a day for failing to clear adjacent sidewalks and curb cuts, and to avoid promising a city‑operated assistance program when no reliable referral exists. One commissioner noted local nonprofits sometimes help residents but commissioners agreed the PSA should not imply a guaranteed assistance program.
The group discussed logistics for production and distribution. Councilor Dobbs said she will contact Northampton Open Media to confirm whether individual recordings made on members’ phones can be stitched into the preexisting East Hampton video the commission plans to reuse. The commission also agreed to include a short blurb in an upcoming property tax bill mailing to property owners as an outreach channel.
Next steps: Commissioners will record the agreed text (several volunteered to submit phone recordings) and send files to Zach at Northampton Open Media for editing and timing; Councilor Dobbs will report back on technical feasibility and timelines.
