Imagine stepping outside after a heavy snowfall, only to find your sidewalk buried under a thick layer of ice and snow. For many residents in Watertown, New York, this isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a growing safety hazard. In just two weeks, the city’s codes office has issued over 140 citations to property owners who failed to clear their sidewalks within 48 hours of a storm. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the city is cracking down, some argue that the responsibility shouldn’t fall solely on property owners. Could this be a systemic issue, or is it simply a matter of civic duty? Let’s dive in.
At Monday’s city council meeting, the topic of unshoveled sidewalks took center stage. Council Member Ben Shoen passionately emphasized the importance of safe walkways, stating, ‘Walking safely in the city should be a right, not a privilege. To me, this is as critical as any other safety issue.’ His words highlight a broader concern: when sidewalks remain uncleared, pedestrians are forced to take risky alternatives, like walking in the street.
One glaring example brought up during the meeting was the sidewalk in front of the former Denny’s restaurant on Arsenal Street. Residents described it as ‘untouched since the first snowflake fell,’ and city records confirm the owner has received multiple fines as part of the recent 140 citations. Desiree Wilmarth, a local resident, shared her alarming experience: ‘I’ve had to walk in the street because the sidewalk is completely blocked. There’ve been times I’ve almost been hit by cars.’
And this is the part most people miss: uncleared sidewalks don’t just affect pedestrians—they also impact accessibility. Shoen pointed out that when snow piles block crosswalk buttons, individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges are left stranded, unable to safely cross the street. ‘There’s a civic responsibility here that some are failing to meet,’ Shoen noted, adding that the city’s resources are stretched thin in enforcing compliance.
To address the issue, Shoen encourages citizens to take action. ‘If you see a sidewalk that hasn’t been cleared all winter, don’t hesitate—call the codes office and report it,’ he urged. The codes department echoed this sentiment, reminding property owners that while the city works to clear public areas, private sidewalks remain their responsibility under local ordinances.
But here’s the controversial question: Should the city invest more in public snow removal services, or is it fair to place the entire burden on property owners? Some argue that increased fines aren’t enough—the city needs to step up its own efforts to ensure safety for all. Others believe it’s a matter of personal accountability. What do you think? Is this a shared responsibility, or should the onus remain on individual property owners? Let us know in the comments below. One thing’s for sure: until a solution is found, Watertown’s sidewalks will remain a slippery slope—both literally and metaphorically.
