Chicago City Council December 14, 2022
Referred to Joint Committee on Economic, Capital, and Technology Development, and Transportation and Public Way
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR PLOW THE SIDEWALKS TOWN HALL
WHEREAS, The City of Chicago (City) is home to approximately 2.8 million people that regularly interact or are impacted by mobility and transportation access; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that the City has more than 4,000 miles of streets, in addition to, hundreds of miles of public sidewalks, crosswalks, and other walkways (sidewalks); and
WHEREAS, Contrary to the relatively pleasant climate during most seasons, Chicago has developed an infamous reputation for it challenging Winters that bring frigid temperatures, heavy snow, ice accumulation, and often result in perilous conditions for all, but especially, disproportionately impacts low-income and marginalized communities; and
WHEREAS, The City's Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) has a dedicated team known as "Snow Command" that monitors and strategically deploys equipment to clear streets for vehicular use, such needed resources do not exist for those who similarly need pedestrian prioritization access; and
WHEREAS, To encourage sidewalk clearance, the City fines property owners who fail to comply—a response that does not create or further accessible solutions for pedestrians ultimately impacted, while also, imposing an undue financial burden dismissive of the issue itself; and
WHEREAS, Currently, the City has a patchwork approach to clearing sidewalks leaving many impacted by such in inconsistent clearance to experience physical or emotional harm as a result of such disparate treatment; and
WHEREAS, Other American cities, like Wilmette, IL, and Rochester, NY, and larger Canadian cities like Montreal and Toronto, have delivered on accessible sidewalks year-round through their municipal sidewalk snow removal practices, demonstrating solutions are possible; and
WHEREAS, The City has an opportunity to make ...
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