Should you be forced to clear a public sidewalk?
Greater Boston just faced its first big storm this winter and the revenue generating code enforcers are out making sure you put your snow in the right place and clear "your" sidewalk. As Megan Woolhouse reported today the Boston Code Enforcement Police are out and they are issuing tickets like it's their job (heh).
The fine for not clearing your sidewalk is minor if you end up in court because someone slipped on the icy sidewalk adjacent to your property. The threat of a lawsuit is real because the SJC recently ruled that you're liable for any injuries that take place on sidewalks adjacent to your property if they're not cleared properly after a snowstorm.
Forget the SJC ruling for a minute and consider this: Do you think city ordinances should force property owners to clear public property such as sidewalks? Is it the responsibility of the taxpaying property owner or is it the responsibility of the city?
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