Thursday, 4:30 PM
City to Crack Down on Icy Sidewalks
By James Vaznis
Globe Staff
Since last week’s heartless Valentine’s Day Nor’easter, the city has cited about 800 homeowners and businesses for not clearing sidewalks of ice.
Officers will continue their crackdown on violators today.
‘‘We will be out in full force,’’ said Michael Mackan, captain of the city code enforcement police.
Last week’s storm slickened many sidewalks, creating a treacherous walk for those navigating walkways while forcing others to take to the streets, which have much less or no ice. Officials did not have statistics on those injured by falls on clogged pedestrian venues.
Even yesterday’s warmer temperatures — which reached 34 degrees — did not melt much ice. Folks had to be out there with their salt, choppers, and shovels, Mackan said.
Many were not. Homeowners and businesses are responsible for shoveling sidewalks and removing ice after a storm. A residential violation is $15, while a commercial violation is $50.
Mayor Thomas M. Menino has asked residents to help elderly neighbors clear the sidewalks.
Mother Nature certainly won’t. Mackan said he was expecting conditions to worsen before getting better. Temperatures are expected to reach only 24 degrees today, according to the National Weather Service, and forecasts late yesterday afternoon called for a low of 13 degrees and a dusting of snow overnight.
‘‘It will cover the ice,’’ Mackan said. ‘‘People will slip and fall. It will be dangerous.’’
