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Residents and board press Parks on uncleared sidewalks, pedestrian ramps and bus-stop access
Summary
Residents told Community Board 11 on March 11 that sidewalks, pedestrian ramps and bus-landing areas along Pelham Parkway and Seymour Avenue remained uncleared after storms, blocking access near Jacoby Hospital and bus stops on White Plains Road. Parks staff said Parks clears pedestrian pathways but plow berms from DSNY/DOT frequently re-cover ramps and corners; staff offered to follow up on specific locations if residents provide maps.
Residents and committee members told the Community Board 11 Parks, Recreation, Sanitation, and Environmental Protection Committee on March 11 that several sidewalks and pedestrian ramps along Pelham Parkway and Seymour Avenue remained uncleared after recent storms, creating safety risks and blocking access to bus stops and a nearby hospital.
Resident concerns: multiple speakers described sidewalks that lead to nowhere or end in large snow berms; a resident said bus riders for the 12/select 12 on White Plains Road must climb over snow to board, or stand in the street, because buses do not come to the curb. Another member reported a fire hydrant partially buried in snow and asked whether FDNY, DOT or Parks is responsible. The resident summarized the risk simply: "It's very unsafe."
Parks response: Charles Handris, who identified himself as "administrative park and recreation manager" overseeing parks in Districts 11 and 12, said Parks' crews clear paved pedestrian pathways along Pelham Parkway, including many bus-stop areas and ramps. He explained that when DSNY or DOT plow main roads, they often create berms that pile up at corners and pedestrian ramps, and Parks crews may not be able to re-clear every corner immediately during storm recovery. Handris offered to follow up if residents send map overviews of the exact problem locations.
Responsibility and next steps: Handris said that if a sidewalk is on the main road rather than in the parkway divider and adjacent lanes, DOT or DSNY might have primary responsibility; however, Parks generally clears ramps and pedestrian access points associated with the parkway. Committee members asked Parks staff to confirm responsibility for specific locations and to follow up via email where residents provide mapped areas. The committee did not take a formal vote but recorded the requests for follow-up.
