Councilman David G. Greenfield’s proposed law establishing a clear plan for the removal of snow and ice from pedestrian bridges was heard at the Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management this past Thursday. Greenfield’s proposed legislation would require that the Office of Emergency Management include pedestrian bridges in its annual snow removal plan. This would include information about the exact location of the more than one hundred pedestrian bridges throughout the five boroughs, a plan for the removal of snow and ice from such bridges, and information about which agency is responsible for clearing and maintaining such bridges. This legislation will help ensure that these crossings are properly plowed and will make it clear to elected officials and the public what agency should be held accountable. One of the problems discovered at the hearing is that as many as three different agencies may be responsible for clearing a pedestrian overpass leading to no single agency taking responsibility.

“After hearing complaints from local residents, schools and senior centers about hazardous conditions at many pedestrian bridges during winter months, I am proud that this bill was heard in the Sanitation Committee. Pedestrian bridges and overpasses are usually unplowed creating dangerous conditions. This bill will result in safer conditions for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers,” said Councilman Greenfield.

“During snow and ice events, pedestrian bridges can be very difficult to navigate. This bill will require DSNY to proactively address this issue, which will ensure safety for those who depend on these bridges for their daily routes,” said Councilman Reynoso, Chair of the Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management.

Greenfield is a staunch advocate for common sense legislation that improves quality of life. He has worked closely with the Sanitation Department to improve snow removal efforts throughout Borough Park, Midwood and Bensonhurst. Greenfield funded the purchase of two haulster snow removal trucks that are specifically earmarked for use by the neighborhood sanitation garage to ensure that local crews have the necessary equipment to effectively respond to ice and snow storms. The proposed snow and ice removal legislation was introduced at the February 4th City Council Stated meeting and currently has support from 19 Council Members representing neighborhoods across the city.

(YWN Desk – NYC)