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Council warns of hazards after heavy snowfall; officials discuss sidewalk-plow options
Summary
Council members and staff discussed widespread, packed snow on sidewalks and streets that has forced pedestrians into traffic; Councilmember Mayo warned 'somebody's going to get killed.' City Manager and staff said sidewalks are generally the property owners' responsibility but agreed to review equipment and routes to address equity and safety concerns.
Council members spent an extended portion of the Feb. 3 meeting describing packed sidewalks and hazardous walking conditions across Steubenville after a major snow event, with several members saying children and other pedestrians were forced into traffic.
"Somebody's going to get killed," Councilmember Mayo said during a lengthy account of sidewalks piled with packed snow and ice. Members described impassable sidewalks on Sunset and in hilltop neighborhoods and noted that when plows push snow onto sidewalks the result is hardened windrows that many residents cannot remove. Members asked staff to examine options such as small sidewalk plows/brush vehicles, staging snow on vacant lots and fair, tiered routes for priority clearing so more vulnerable neighborhoods are not left behind.
City Manager Jim Mavromatis acknowledged the problem and said the city will look at equipment and staffing options; he also said "the sidewalks are the responsibility of the owners," which is the city's stated baseline policy but not a solution council members found sufficient. Law Director Costa Mastros and other members discussed possible temporary staging on vacant lots; staff said they will return with more detail on resources and options.
Council asked for clearer priority routes for plowing and sidewalk responses, and for an operational review of Parks & Recreation and maintenance staff tasking during heavy snow. Members emphasized equity — that main routes and emergency corridors be prioritized but that residents on less prominent streets receive fair treatment.
