After hearing complaints from many residents, especially seniors and parents, about the number of pedestrian bridges that are not cleared following snowstorms, Councilman David G. Greenfield has introduced legislation requiring the Sanitation Department to include these crossings 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, and which agency is responsible for clearing and maintaining it. This will help ensure that all of these crossings, which are often above or adjacent to railroad tracks, are properly cleared, and if not, will make it clear to elected officials and the public what agency should be held accountable.

The city Sanitation Department already compiles an annual report with details on all snow management equipment, resources and personnel available during and after storms. This report currently includes inventory of all city-owned and privately-owned snow equipment available to the department, as well as other resources available to the city, including individuals registered to work during any snowstorm. In addition to this inventory, the report includes an assessment on how these resources are deployed and overseen by city agencies.

Under Councilman Greenfield’s proposed legislation, introduced at last week’s City Council stated meeting, the Sanitation Department would also establish a clear plan for the removal of snow and ice from pedestrian bridges. The plan would include a list of all of the pedestrian bridges and designate which department or agency is responsible for cleaning them. The information would then be made available to the City Council, community boards and the public.

In addition to complaints from local residents, schools, senior centers and other constituents about treacherous conditions at many pedestrian bridges and paths following storms, this problem was especially prevalent following the blizzard of December 2010 and is compounded by the lack of oversight and accountability. As a result of Councilman Greenfield’s bill, elected officials and the public would know exactly which agency is responsible for a specific bridge in the case it is not plowed.

“Our city has come a long way over the past few years to make sure we are adequately prepared to deal with the aftermath of winter storms. At the same time, these pedestrian bridges and overpasses have not received the attention they require, leading to extremely dangerous and hazardous conditions for thousands of residents. My proposal would result in a clear plan detailing the locations of these bridges, and the agency responsible for clearing them. The end result will be a safer commute for residents throughout the city, especially seniors, children and those in wheelchairs,” said Councilman Greenfield.

Councilman Greenfield has worked closely with Sanitation Department Commissioner John Doherty and the local DSNY garages serving his district on ways to improve snow removal efforts throughout Borough Park, Midwood and Bensonhurst. To make sure the local crews have the equipment needed to effectively respond to ice and snow storms, Councilman Greenfield also funded the purchase of two haulster snow removal trucks that are specifically earmarked for use by the neighborhood sanitation garage.

The bill was introduced at the February 27th City Council Stated meeting and currently has support from 16 Council Members representing neighborhoods across the city. It has been referred to the Council’s Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management for hearings.

(YWN Desk – NYC)