(no subject)

[rdcf.livejournal.com]

Is it just me or are the sidewalks just outside of Davis Square in worse shape this winter than in years past? I walk along College Ave from Powderhouse to Davis Square each day and it seems fewer and fewer people are bothering to shovel or put down salt on their sidewalks.

Obviously, this morning was difficult, but a lot of people haven't shoveled since last week's storm. There's a good 4 inches of ice in front of so many houses. The sidewalks that had been shoveled were fairly bad this morning but the sidewalks that had never been shoveled were impassable.

If you live in the area and have shoveled your sidewalk, THANK YOU! Your neighbors who walk to public transportation thank you - you're a true asset to the community. If you haven't shoveled your sidewalk yet this winter, please do so. It's really dangerous for those of us who must take public transportation to get to work. I know we're all really busy and that shoveling really sucks, but think of your neighbors. Think about how bad you would feel if someone fell on your sidewalk and really hurt themselves.

Maybe people think I'm naive to expect people to shovel their sidewalks and maybe I am. Maybe people don't really care if someone slips and falls on their sidewalks and hurt themselves. And if you don't care, do keep in mind that if someone slips and fall on your sidewalk, you are liable for that and they can sue you. The City of Somerville can fine you for not clearing your sidewalk. I have no idea if they actually do this or not, but their website says there is a fine. Rather than paying the fine, just pay someone to shovel. Your neighbors will appreciate it.

Comments

[desiringsubject.livejournal.com]

Mostly for cosinezero: Up at Phillips Academy, here's something they do with paths that ice over (which, as several people pointed out, is sometimes inevitable) they would mix salt and sand togther. The result is that the salt burrows little holes into the ice, into which the sand sinks, creating some version of traction. Of course, it's still ice, but it does help if it's rough sandy ice. Sand on plain ice just slides around. Using enough salt to melt all the ice is bad for the grass, environment, the rubber on our shoes, and is wasteful. However, mixing the two can be quite a nice trick! Also, if it works well, it makes the ice much easier to break up with, say, a hoe.