Letter: Please Shovel Your Sidewalks
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To the Editor:
I have lived in quite a few towns throughout New England, and of all, Pittsfield has the worst sidewalks during the winter.
I often see people pushing babies in strollers, disabled people with rascals and wheelchairs, as well as child and adult pedestrians, walking in the street because many sidewalks aren't cleared. I, myself, broke my tailbone, slipping on an icy sidewalk that wasn't salted or sanded a few years ago!
Other towns I've lived in fine landlords, business owners, and home owners for not keeping town sidewalks surrounding their buildings clear of snow and ice. The whole sidewalk too, not just a path the width of a shovel. I'm surprised there aren't more personal injury lawsuits resulting from snow and ice covered walkways.
If Pittsfield fined everyone who didn't clear their sidewalks within 24 hours (like most towns do) our city would make a bit of money, and, I bet people will start keeping their sidewalks clear!
John Despard
Pittsfield, Mass.
