Open Letter as a Reminder to Shovel Your Sidewalk from Alderman Joe Moore

Dear Neighbor,

Winter certainly came early this year, with both snow and bitter cold. So it’s time remind everyone that city ordinance requires homeowners and business owners to shovel the sidewalks adjacent to their property. Not only is it the neighborly thing to do, but failure to do so can result in a fine of up to $500.

And though it’s bitter cold now, the temperature is forecast to get near the freezing mark Friday and Saturday. If you haven’t shoveled yet, those are good days to get out there and get it done.

We all need to do our part. I always shovel the walk in front of my home and make sure the snow is cleared in front of the 49th Ward Service Office.

If you know of a property where the sidewalk is not shoveled within 24 hours after a snowfall ends, contact my office at [email protected] or call 773-338-5796 and provide us with the address of the property.

We’ll issue a warning and subsequently a ticket, if necessary.

Of course, I realize some people are not physically able to shovel snow. If you are 60 years of age or older and/or have a physical disability and lack access to available resources (financial resources or local family/friends), you are eligible to sign up for the Chicago Snow Corps.

The Snow Corps is a City referral program that uses 311 to connect volunteers willing to shovel snow with people who are in need of assistance. Simply call 311 and ask to be placed on the program list.

Please note there is no guarantee by requesting volunteer snow shoveling that you will receive assistance. This program is based on the number of volunteers who sign up.

Visit the city sign-up page to volunteer to shovel the sidewalk of a senior citizen or disabled neighbor.If you can afford to pay someone to shovel your walk, my office has a list of people willing to shovel your walk for a reasonable charge. Please reply to this e-mail or call 773-338-5796 and we will provide you with their contact information.

In addition to the Snow Corps program, the City now has a real-time “Plow Tracker” map that allows residents to monitor the progress of the City’s snow plows during major snow cleanup efforts.